Sejak mendengar komentar Kang Woojin, Sutradara Kyotaro mulai meracaukan frasa seperti 'orang asing' dan 'luar yang mengabaikan segala sebab akibat'. Sikapnya mirip seperti orang yang sedang berbicara dengan diri sendiri.
Menyaksikan Sutradara Kyotaro mengusap dagunya dengan ekspresi serius, Woojin membatin.
“……”
Ia sama sekali tidak menunjukkan reaksi apa pun di luar, namun di dalam hatinya, ia merasa sedikit gugup.
‘Apakah itu berhasil? Atau tidak? Sebenarnya apa yang terjadi, yang mana yang benar?’
Ia memang mengucapkannya secara sembrono, tetapi ini adalah pertama kalinya ia melakukan hal seperti itu. Terutama setelah secara tiba-tiba menjadi seorang aktor. Namun, seandainya ia tidak mengatakan apa-apa, ia pasti akan merasa menyesal.
Itulah isi hati yang sesungguhnya dari Kang Woojin.
Akhir dari sebuah karya bisa menentukan keseluruhan kesuksesan atau kegagalan performanya secara menyeluruh. Dengan kata lain, jika akhir cerita dari ‘The Eerie Sacrifice of a Stranger’ berubah seperti yang disarankan oleh Kang Woojin, maka peringkatnya bisa saja mengalami perubahan.
-[7/Skenario (Judul: The Eerie Sacrifice of a Stranger), Kelas SS]
Saat ini karya tersebut berada di kelas SS, tetapi peringkatnya bisa merosot ke Kelas A, atau lebih parah lagi, bahkan turun ke Kelas B. Yah, bisa juga terjadi sebaliknya.
‘Jika akhir ceritanya tidak berubah, aku tidak bisa berbuat apa-apa.’
Semuanya akan tetap baik-baik saja meskipun peringkatnya sedikit turun. Atau, apakah sebenarnya tidak apa-apa?
‘Tetap saja, entah bagaimana—rasanya aku telah melindungi Kiyoshi?’
Sekalipun peringkat ‘The Eerie Sacrifice of a Stranger’ turun, Kiyoshi akan selamat. Woojin merasa bahwa hal itu saja sudah membuatnya sangat sepadan. Alasannya tidak begitu jelas. Itu hanyalah sebuah perasaan semata. Meskipun ia sendiri tidak menyadarinya, inilah bentuk ambisi seorang aktor. Semacam keengganan untuk merusak karakter.
Kang Woojin tidak menyadari pertumbuhan dirinya sendiri.
Ia berbicara kepada Sutradara Kyotaro yang sedang tenggelam dalam pemikiran di hadapannya.
“Akhir cerita yang berbeda dari aslinya mungkin akan mendatangkan keluhan dari para penggemar karya asli, tapi aku hanya ingin mengutarakannya karena rasanya karakter Kiyoshi jadi hancur.”
Bahkan dalam situasi seperti ini, ia tetap mampu menjaga ketenangannya. Kenapa? Karena dialog ini pada dasarnya adalah tantangan langsung yang ditujukan kepada penulis kenamaan dunia, Akari.
‘Ini berat, sungguh berat. Berpura-pura tangguh itu rasanya seperti berjalan di atas es tipis setiap hari.’
Sementara itu, Sutradara Kyotaro yang rambutnya sudah memutih, terdiam sejenak sebelum perlahan-lahan mengangguk.
“……Aku mengerti maksudmu.”
Kemudian ia mengeluarkan papan cerita pengambilan gambar beserta sebuah pena dari saku belakangnya. Ia mulai menuliskan sesuatu di bagian yang kosong. Itu dilakukannya untuk mencatat inspirasi yang datang secara mendadak. Pada saat yang sama, Sutradara Kyotaro membatin.
‘Ini mungkin… Tidak, ini jelas sebuah perjudian. 100% para penggemar garis keras karya asli akan melayangkan protes.’
Ada pula peluang besar bahwa seluruh industri konten Jepang akan melontarkan kritik pedas. Ini adalah tindakan terang-terangan melanggar klise ‘sebab dan akibat’ yang sudah berakar sangat kuat. Banyak pihak di kalangan publik maupun industri hiburan Jepang yang akan memandangnya dengan negatif.
‘Terutama di Jepang, perubahan adalah racun.’
Tepatnya, ada rasa keengganan yang sangat kuat terhadap hal-hal baru. Oleh karena itu, para aktor Jepang menampilkan akting yang terstandarisasi, sering kali tampil berlebihan dan penuh teriakan selama berdekade-dekade. Film dan drama terus mempertahankan alur yang serupa. Dengan kata lain, mereka bermain aman.
Alur dari anime-anime kuat asal Jepang pun tidak jauh berbeda.
Kendati demikian, karena pasar manga yang menjadi landasan anime tergolong cukup kreatif, anime akhirnya berkembang. Sebaliknya, sisa industri konten lainnya mengalami stagnasi. Namun, setiap tahun situasinya tetap sama saja. Tidak ada kemajuan.
‘Industri ini sudah hancur.’
Drama dan film Jepang telah mencapai titik di mana adaptasi laga hidup dari anime atau manga menjadi fokus utama. Mereka telah lama tertinggal di belakang Korea. Coba saja saksikan fenomena global gelombang Hallyu. Sebaliknya, Jepang masih saja mengandalkan pasar domestik mereka.
Mereka takut pada perubahan.
Sutradara Kyotaro mengenang kembali makna awal dari ‘The Eerie Sacrifice of a Stranger’.
Tujuannya adalah untuk mengkritik pasar yang bodoh ini.
Akting para aktor Jepang, atmosfer pasarnya, aliran dana yang kaku, serta banyaknya sutradara yang penakut. Kang Woojin dipilih sebagai pembunuh bayaran untuk misi ini. Aktingnya yang mengerikan, menempatkan seorang aktor Korea sebagai pusat dari karya penulis kenamaan Jepang, Akari, semuanya bertujuan untuk menciptakan sebuah pembalikan keadaan.
Kini, Woojin bahkan mencoba membalikkan akhir cerita dari ‘The Eerie Sacrifice of a Stranger’.
Akan tetapi, Sutradara Kyotaro menyikapinya dengan positif.
‘Ya, jika kita ingin melakukannya, kita harus melakukannya dengan benar—’
Ia siap untuk mengambil alih kendali.
‘Kiyoshi akan bersinar lebih terang jika kita mengikuti saran Woojin.’
Ia membayangkan badai kritik yang akan datang. Tidak peduli seberapa sengit pertempuran yang harus dihadapi.
“……Baiklah, aku mengerti. Mari kita ambil waktu istirahat selama 5 menit. Tidak, istirahat 10 menit.”
Sutradara Kyotaro, yang meracau dalam bahasa Jepang, terus mencatat sesuatu di papan ceritanya sambil membalikkan tubuhnya. Kemudian ia mengeluarkan ponselnya. Ia mungkin sedang menelepon penulis Akari, tetapi Woojin tidak ambil pusing.
‘Yah, apakah itu berhasil? Aku sudah mengatakan apa yang harus kukatakan.’
Tak lama kemudian, asisten sutradara berteriak ke seluruh penjuru lokasi syuting. Sesuatu seperti ‘istirahat 10 menit!!’ Para staf yang berjumlah sekitar seratus orang tampak kebingungan dengan jeda istirahat yang diambil tepat setelah syuting dimulai, namun mereka dengan sigap menggerakkan tangan dan kaki untuk mempersiapkan adegan berikutnya.
Sementara itu, para aktor Jepang mendekati Kang Woojin yang hendak meninggalkan lokasi syuting. Entah mengapa, mereka semua mengacungkan jempol kepadanya.
“Selamat ya, Woojin-ssi.”
“Aku melihat beritanya dan terkejut sekali! Aku belum pernah mengalami jumlah penonton sebanyak itu sebelumnya!”
“Selamat. Ini adalah hasil yang sangat jarang terlihat di Jepang, jadi aku merasa iri sekaligus kagum.”
Ada apa ini? Kenapa tiba-tiba mereka mengucapkan selamat? Awalnya Woojin merasa bingung, namun kemudian sebuah bohlam menyala di kepalanya.
Aha, ‘Island of the Missing’!
Tepat pada saat itu, Choi Sung-gun mendekati Woojin. Sambil tersenyum, ia berbisik di telinga Kang Woojin.
“‘Island of the Missing’ berhasil meraih 700.000 penonton. Itu menyamai rekor hari pertama film berpendapatan tertinggi di Korea.”
“···Begitukah?”
Kang Woojin bertanya balik dengan dingin, namun di dalam hatinya, ia menjerit sekuat tenaga.
‘Apa, apa-apaan ini??!!! 700.000 dalam satu hari??!! Itu gila namanya!!’
Pada saat yang sama.
Entah mengapa, media-media Jepang mulai gencar memberitakan sebuah film Korea.
『Film yang dibintangi oleh pemeran ‘The Eerie Sacrifice’, karya Kang Woojin ‘Island of the Missing’ sukses meraup 700.000 penonton di Korea dalam satu hari』
Jumlah yang tidak sedikit. Namun, jika dibandingkan dengan kondisi perfilman Korea saat ini, itu hanyalah setetes air di lautan.
Di Korea pada saat ini.
『[Peringkat Film] “Gila!”, ‘Island of the Missing’ raih 700.000 penonton di hari penayangan perdana, duduki peringkat pertama』
『Sudah diduga dari sutradara maestro Kwon Ki-taek! ‘Island of the Missing’ langsung raih 700.000↑ penonton begitu dirilis, puncaki box office!』
Berita sudah dibanjiri oleh artikel-artikel mengenai ‘Island of the Missing’.
『Peringkat pertama ‘Island of the Missing’ raup lebih dari 700.000 penonton↑ di hari perdana, mungkinkah ini film laris raksasa tahun ini?』
Jumlah yang sangat masif. Kendati demikian, itu adalah reaksi yang cukup wajar. Di musim puncak bioskop, di tengah gempuran berbagai film beranggaran besar, ‘Island of the Missing’ tidak hanya berhasil merebut posisi puncak, tetapi juga,
『Penantang ‘Island of the Missing’ raih hasil hari perdana yang hampir setara dengan sang penguasa ‘Sea Battle’』
Film itu mencetak hasil yang hampir menyamai film berpendapatan tertinggi di Korea. Benteng yang tak tergoyahkan selama sekitar tujuh tahun kini mulai bergetar. Banyak wartawan yang tidak bisa tinggal diam melihat angka fantastis 700.000 penonton hanya dalam waktu satu hari.
『Akting Kang Woojin kembali beraksi… ‘Island of the Missing’ berpotensi jadi film 10 juta penonton pertama tahun ini』
Jari-jari mereka bergerak setiap detik, setiap menit. Beberapa jam kemudian, tatkala ‘Island of the Missing’ menghiasi berbagai situs portal, opini publik dengan cepat mulai memberikan tanggapan.
[「Island of the Missing」/ Tanggal Rilis: 19 Mei 2021]
[Peringkat: 9.6]
[Ulasan Penonton & Netizen/ 1002 partisipan]
- Saat monsturnya muncul, kukira film ini bakal menurun kualitasnya, tapi ternyata makin menanjak dan sukses bikin nyaliku ciut / yin****
- Film ini padat sekali… dan akting dewa ala Kang Woojin… sungguh mencengangkan dan bikin merinding / tan****
- Kawan-kawan, skor rata-rata kritikusnya di atas 7, datangi saja bioskopnya, dan jangan lupa bawa celana cadangan / cal****
- Sial ㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ apakah Kang Woojin ini benar-benar sudah gila? ㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ aktingnya sialan keren banget ㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ / lov****
- Ketiduran di tengah jalan / bmb****
- Ryu Jung-min memegang kendali pusat, Ha Yu-ra begitu cantik, dan Kang Woojin benar-benar gila / dak****
- Sekarang aku paham kenapa Sutradara Kwon Ki-taek dijuluki sebagai maestro ㅋㅋ film ini seru abis / snn****
- Performa para aktornya luar biasa! Terutama Woojin-ssi yang paling menonjol^^ Alurnya solid dan menghibur! / dhn****
- Monster yang muncul sejak awal itu cuma selingan; ini adalah film tentang sifat dasar manusia. Wajib ditonton, besok aku mau nonton lagi / tck****
- Membosankan, aku berhenti menonton / dbf****
- Kang Woojin terus berkembang sebagai aktor… aktingnya benar-benar gila, aku terus berdecak kagum, sama sekali tidak melihat bayangan karakter-karakter sebelumnya di aktingnya kali ini / jeo****
- Tidak ada satu pun mata rantai yang lemah dalam aktingnya, Kang Woojin adalah aktor sejati, aktingnya meledak-ledak!! Sendirian ia berhasil menguasai ketegangan….. / ssg****
Situasi itu ibarat bom nuklir publisitas. Berita menyebar dengan cepat ke berbagai komunitas, media sosial, dan YouTube. Menjelang sore hari tanggal 20, berbagai outlet media turut bergabung. Program berita, siaran radio, dan berbagai platform lainnya memperbincangkan pemenang dari
Chapter 270: All Time (1)
Translator: Dreamscribe
From the moment he heard Kang Woojin's comments, Director Kyotaro began to mutter phrases like 'a stranger' and 'an outsider ignoring all causality'. It was as if he were talking to himself.
Watching Director Kyotaro stroke his chin with a serious expression, Woojin thought.
“......”
He didn’t react outwardly, but internally, he felt slightly nervous.
‘Did it work? Or not? What’s going on, which is it?’
He had said it recklessly, but this was the first time he'd done something like this. Even after suddenly becoming an actor. But if he hadn’t said anything, he would have regretted it.
That was Kang Woojin's true feelings.
The ending of a work could determine the overall success or failure of its performance. In other words, if the ending of ‘The Eerie Sacrifice of a Stranger’ were to change as Kang Woojin suggested, there could be a change in its rating.
-[7/Scenario (Title: The Eerie Sacrifice of a Stranger), SS Grade]
Currently, it was SS-grade, but it could drop to A-grade or, worse, even B-grade. Well, it could also go the other way.
‘If the ending doesn’t change, there’s nothing I can do.’
It would be fine even if the grade dropped a bit. Or would it not be fine?
‘Still, somehow- it feels like I've protected Kiyoshi?'
Even if the grade of ‘The Eerie Sacrifice of a Stranger’ drops, Kiyoshi would be saved. Woojin felt that this alone was worth it. The reason wasn’t clear. It was just a feeling. Although he didn’t realize it himself, this was an actor's ambition. Something like not wanting to ruin a character?
Kang Woojin, unaware of his own growth.
He spoke to Director Kyotaro, who was deep in thought right in front of him.
“The ending being different from the original might draw complaints from fans of the original, but I just wanted to mention it because it seemed like Kiyoshi's character was being ruined.”
Even in this situation, he maintained his composure. Why? Because this line was essentially a direct challenge to the world-renowned writer Akari.
‘It’s tough, really tough. Pretending to be tough is like walking on thin ice every day.’
Meanwhile, Director Kyotaro, who was full of grey hairs, remained silent for a moment before slowly nodding.
“......I understand what you’re saying.”
Then he took out the shooting storyboard and a pen from his back pocket. He began writing something in the empty space. It was to note down a sudden inspiration. At the same time, Director Kyotaro thought.
‘This might be. No, it’s definitely a gamble. 100% the hardcore fans of the original will complain.’
There’s also a high chance the entire Japanese content market will criticize it. It’s an act of blatantly breaking the deeply rooted cliché of ‘cause and effect’. Many in the public and the Japanese entertainment industry will be negative about it.
‘Especially in Japan, change is poison.’
To be precise, there’s a strong aversion to new things. Hence, Japanese actors perform standardized, often loud and exaggerated acting for decades. Movies and dramas continue to maintain similar plots. In other words, they're playing it safe.
The plots of powerful Japanese animations are the same.
However, because the manga market, which forms the basis of animation, is somewhat creative, anime has developed. Conversely, the rest of the content market stagnates. Yet, every year it remains the same. It doesn’t progress.
‘It’s already ruined.’
Japanese dramas and films have reached the point where live-action adaptations of anime or manga are the main focus. They’ve long fallen behind Korea. Just look at the global phenomenon of the Hallyu Wave. In contrast, Japan still relies on its domestic market.
They fear change.
Director Kyotaro recalled the initial significance of ‘The Eerie Sacrifice of a Stranger’.
To criticize this foolish market.
The acting of Japanese actors, the market atmosphere, the fixed flow of money, and many fearful directors. Kang Woojin was chosen as the hitman for this. His monstrous acting, putting a Korean actor at the center of a world-renowned Japanese writer Akari’s work, all aimed to create a reversal.
Now, Woojin was even trying to overturn the ending of ‘The Eerie Sacrifice of a Stranger’.
But Director Kyotaro was positive about it.
‘Yes, if we’re going to do it, we should do it right-’
He was ready to take the lead.
‘Kiyoshi will shine more if we go with Woojin's suggestion.’
He imagined the bombardment. No matter how fierce the battle would be.
“......Alright, I understand. Let’s take a 5-minute. No, a 10-minute break.”
Director Kyotaro, muttering in Japanese, continued to jot down something in his storyboard while turning his body. Then he took out his phone. He was probably calling writer Akari, but Woojin didn’t think much of it.
‘Well, did it work? I said what I needed to.’
Soon, the assistant director shouted across the entire set. Something like ‘10-minute break!!’ The staff, numbering around a hundred, were bewildered by the break taken right after starting filming, but they busily moved their hands and feet to prepare for the next shot.
Meanwhile, Japanese actors approached Kang Woojin as he was leaving the set. For some reason, they all gave him thumbs up.
“Congratulations, Woojin-ssi.”
“I saw the article and was super surprised! I’ve never experienced such audience numbers!”
“Congratulations. It's a result rarely seen in Japan, so I'm envious but also impressed.”
What’s this? Why the sudden congratulations? At first, Woojin was puzzled, but then a light bulb went off in his head.
Ah, ‘Island of the Missing’!
At that moment, Choi Sung-gun approached Woojin. With a smile, he whispered in Kang Woojin’s ear.
“‘Island of the Missing’ hit 700,000 viewers. It tied with the first-day record of Korea’s top-grossing film.”
“···Is that so?”
Kang Woojin coldly asked back, but inside, he was screaming.
‘What, what the hell??!!! 700,000 in one day??!! That’s insane!!’
At the same time.
For some reason, Japanese media were throwing out news about a Korean movie.
『「The Eerie Sacrifice」starring Kang Woojin's film ‘Island of the Missing’ draws 700,000 viewers in Korea in one day』
Not a small number. However, compared to the current state of Korea, it was a mere drop in the ocean.
In Korea at this moment.
『[Movie Rankings] “Crazy!”, ‘Island of the Missing’ hits 700,000 viewers on its opening day, taking first place』
『As expected of master director Kwon Ki-taek! ‘Island of the Missing’ hits 700,000↑ viewers as soon as it releases, topping the box office!』
The news was already flooded with articles about ‘Island of the Missing’.
『First place ‘Island of the Missing’ draws over 700,000 viewers↑ on opening day, could it be the tentpole blockbuster of the year?』
An enormous amount. However, it was a sufficiently reasonable reaction. In the peak season of theaters, amidst a barrage of numerous tentpole movies, ‘Island of the Missing’ not only claimed the top spot but also,
『Challenger ‘Island of the Missing’ has almost the same opening day results as the reigning ‘Sea Battle’』
It produced a result almost equal to Korea's top-grossing film. A fortress unshaken for about seven years was now trembling. Many reporters couldn’t just sit idly by with a staggering 700,000 viewers in one day.
『Kang Woojin’s acting works again...‘Island of the Missing’ might be the first 10 million film of the year』
Their fingers moved every second, every minute. A few hours later, when ‘Island of the Missing’ filled various portal sites, public opinion rapidly started to click.
[「Island of the Missing」/ Release Date: May 19, 2021]
[Rating: 9.6]
[Viewer & Netizen Reviews/ 1002 participants]
- When the monster appeared, I thought it was going to go downhill, but it ended up climbing the hill and scared the shit out of my wits / yin****
- This movie is packed with so much... and Kang Woojin’s divine acting... it’s astonishing and gives you chills / tan****
- Guys, the critics’ average score is over 7, just go see it, also bring extra pants / cal****
- Fuck ㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ is Kang Woojin seriously crazy? ㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ his acting is fucking amazing ㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ / lov****
- Fell asleep midway / bmb****
- Ryu Jung-min holds the center, Ha Yu-ra is beautiful, and Kang Woojin is crazy / dak****
- Now I get why Director Kwon Ki-taek is called a master ㅋㅋ it’s a blast / snn****
- The actors’ performances are incredible! Especially Woojin-ssi stands out the most^^ The plot is solid and fun! / dhn****
- The monster that appears from the beginning is just a sideshow; it’s a movie about human nature. Definitely watch it, I’m watching it again tomorrow / tck****
- Boring, dropped out / dbf****
- Kang Woojin keeps improving as an actor... his acting is just insane, I kept going wow wow in amazement, didn’t see any of his previous characters in his acting / jeo****
- No a single weak link in acting at all, Kang Woojin is the real deal, his acting is explosive!! He alone controlled the tension..... / ssg****
It was like a nuclear bomb of publicity. The news spread quickly to communities, social media, and YouTube. By late afternoon on the 20th, various media outlets joined in. News programs, radio shows, and other platforms discussed the winner of this "movie war".
It might seem like a exaggeration.
After all, only one day had passed.
Regardless, the movies that lost to ‘Island of the Missing’ were in mourning.
“700,000 in one day. Is that even a possible number anymore?”
“I-I don't believe it either. But let’s stay hopeful! There might be a turnaround tomorrow!”
“A turnaround? Didn’t you see the ratings and public response to ‘Island of the Missing’? Do you think it’ll sink easily?”
“......”
“It’s a crushing defeat. Phew- We can only hope to somehow reach the break-even point."
Some were determined to try even harder.
“Don’t hang your heads! Now’s the time to push even harder on promotions!”
“Ah, understood!”
“We’re not trying to beat ‘Island of the Missing’! People won't just watch that one movie! We can aim for second place and turn things around at the last minute! Get your heads in the game!”
They say there’s opportunity in crisis? Many films targeting the peak season aimed for a comeback. Movies released before, on the same day, and after ‘Island of the Missing’ all did the same.
But that hope was shattered by the 21st, just a day later.
1. Island of the Missing / Release Date: May 19 / Audience: 715,005 / Screens: 1159 / Cumulative Audience: 1,415,228
Not only was it dominating, but ‘Island of the Missing’ surpassed 1.4 million viewers in just two days.
Meanwhile, in Japan, Kang Woojin faced a slight crisis in maintaining his persona.
‘1.5 million in two days!! Fuck, this is crazy! Even for 'Drug Lord' I thought it was insane, but this!!!'
‘Drug Dealer’ had him reeling with its initial success, but this was on a whole other level. It was almost unbelievable. During this, his phone was bombarded with messages from countless people. His phone was practically exploding.
Moreover, word of mouth for ‘Island of the Missing’ spread rapidly.
The results were announced on Saturday morning, the 22nd, showing Friday’s performance. The third day’s stats.
1. Island of the Missing / Release Date: May 19 / Audience: 865,448 / Screens: 1159 / Cumulative Audience: 2,280,676
It surpassed 700,000 to over 800,000 daily viewers. The total audience count exceeded 2 million in just three days. For the first time, ‘Island of the Missing’ was challenging the ironclad first-place film ‘Sea Battle’.
『[Movie Talk] All-time #1 ‘Sea Battle’ Third Day Score 2.1 Million, Challenger ‘Island of the Missing’ 2.28 Million...The tables have turned!』
It was the moment it toppled the record.
At this time.
Late morning, Japan's TOP3 anime studio ‘A10 Studio’ was holding a major event. Specifically, the entire team for ‘Male Friend: Remake’ was involved.
“Wow-”
“It came out great.”
“The effects and 3D are really clean.”
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