"You mean the main poster that will be sent to the Cannes Film Festival?"
At Kang Woojin's quiet question, Director Ahn Gahbok's familiar voice came back through the phone.
"Yes, the Leech poster that will be submitted to Cannes. As you know, this poster is different from a typical one. Rather than serving as a promotional tool, it plays the role of introducing the film itself. It's a poster meant to present this film to filmmakers from all over the world who will attend Cannes."
Film posters are created at various stages of production. They are used for early promotion, full-scale marketing, and even word-of-mouth during theatrical runs. Of course, each poster is designed with a different concept, but most are ultimately centered on promotion or marketing.
Because of that, provocative elements inevitably find their way in.
But in the case of the film Leech, which had Cannes as its first gateway, things were different from a typical commercial film. The poster was not meant to attract the general public or function as a promotional tool. It had to become the symbol and face of Leech. Because of that, the entire approach to creating the poster had to be fundamentally different.
The target audience was not the general public.
Of course, the attendees at Cannes would watch Leech, but the true core audience consisted of influential filmmakers from various countries. The Cannes jury and officials, renowned actors from each nation, globally recognized producers and distributors, and investors from all over the world, including Hollywood.
In simple terms, they needed a poster for Leech that filmmakers around the world would see.
That poster would become the face and symbol of Leech, and if it won an award at Cannes, it would spread across the world.
Box office success could be considered later.
There would be no issue creating release posters afterward. In fact, if Leech created a major sensation at Cannes this year, separate posters might not even be necessary. Turning Cannes upside down would, in itself, become an enormous form of promotion and marketing.
That was how important the main poster was.
"We're putting a lot of effort not just into the poster, but also into the editing. Once you return from Japan, we'll proceed with the shoot based on the selected poster drafts, so I wanted to let you know in advance."
Director Ahn Gahbok's voice carried deep seriousness. On the other hand, Kang Woojin maintained a calm exterior.
'Well, I just have to do what they tell me.'
There was nothing for him to be nervous about. In fact, his mind was filled with something else entirely.
'Mid-September? So the editing for Leech is almost done? Wow, it really is nearing the end. Everything feels like it's moving all at once.'
As autumn approached, it felt as though projects that had been holding their breath were all starting to pour out at once. At that moment, Choi Sunggeon, his hair tied back in a ponytail, stood close beside him while Kang Woojin held the phone to his ear, his neck slightly stiff.
"Yes, Director. I understand."
"Good. Once we begin work on the main poster, it means there's less than a month left until Cannes. We'll also proceed with media promotions according to the timing. There's no need for you to worry too much, but I wanted to inform you in advance."
"Understood."
"By the way, why are you going to Japan? Ah, is it because of that animation?"
"It's a similar project. There's also a production presentation for something called The Stranger's Grim Sacrifice*."*
"Hmm. So that project is already at the production presentation stage."
After a brief pause, Director Ahn Gahbok spoke in a low voice.
"The two games might be released at almost the same time."
With that, he wrapped up the call.
"I'll pass the detailed schedule to CEO Choi. Have a safe trip."
"You too, Director."
Click.
As soon as Kang Woojin slowly lowered his phone, Choi Sunggeon immediately asked.
"Director? Which director?"
Woojin briefly explained the key points of the call to Choi Sunggeon, who had rushed over with visible curiosity. Soon, Choi Sunggeon's eyes lit up with interest, and a wide grin spread across his face.
"Oh ho— the Cannes main poster? Now it's finally starting to feel real that you're going to Cannes. But the editing for Leech finishes around mid-September?"
"Yes. That's what Director Ahn said."
"Are they pushing themselves to the limit to finish it? I knew they'd been doing rough edits even during night shoots, but the pace is unbelievably fast."
Kang Woojin's team resumed walking. Choi Sunggeon, who was checking the calendar on his phone, was smiling broadly.
"There's only about a month left until Cannes. Now that it's actually approaching, I'm getting nervous. Ha… honestly, I always thought we'd go someday, but I never expected it to happen this fast."
Choi Sunggeon's expression was a mix of tension and urgency. On the other hand, Kang Woojin showed no real sign of nerves.
'Cannes? So what. I already have French down, what's there to worry about?'
To him, it still didn't feel real.
Meanwhile, in the conference room of a major film production company—
An elderly man sitting at a large U-shaped table placed his phone down on the table. It was Director Ahn Gahbok, who had just finished his call with Kang Woojin.
His short white hair remained the same, but his wrinkles had deepened. His face showed clear signs of fatigue, yet the seasoned aura unique to Director Ahn Gahbok remained sharp.
"...So even The Stranger's Grim Sacrifice has reached that stage. I need to push harder."
Muttering quietly as he lifted his head, Director Ahn Gahbok looked ahead. In front of him stood the production company's CEO and several executives. It seemed they had been in the middle of a meeting. After relaying his conversation with Kang Woojin—
He lowered his gaze again.
Right in front of him were three sheets of paper, each the size of a standard movie poster, attached to a transparent panel. Each sheet contained illustrations along with a shared title.
Leech
That's right. These were candidate posters for the film Leech, which was set to be submitted to Cannes. Director Ahn Gahbok carefully examined the poster candidates. The people around him, including the production company CEO, said nothing.
"..."
"..."
They were waiting for the decision of the legendary Director Ahn Gahbok.
But his decision did not come quickly.
Five minutes. Ten minutes. Fifteen minutes.
With his arms crossed, Director Ahn Gahbok scrutinized the poster candidates for over fifteen minutes. It was only natural. The selected poster would be submitted to Cannes. In fact, it had taken nearly two weeks just to produce these three candidates.
Finally.
"Hmm."
Letting out a deep breath, Director Ahn Gahbok raised his index finger. Then he pointed, one after the other, at two of the three poster candidates.
"Let's produce both of these. I want to see the final versions myself."
"Those two, sir? Understood."
The selected poster drafts depicted different characters and scenes from Leech, but they shared one striking similarity.
Both placed Park Haseong—Kang Woojin—as the central figure.
In other words—
"Share these two poster drafts with Woojin immediately."
It meant Kang Woojin's face would soon be plastered across Cannes in massive form.
A few hours later, in Japan.
Kang Woojin arrived in Japan for his short three-day schedule. After departing from Gimpo Airport, he landed at Haneda Airport in the late morning. As he stepped into the arrival hall, his expression appeared even more indifferent than usual.
The reason was simple.
Hundreds of people—Japanese reporters, fans, and onlookers—had gathered to see Kang Woojin at the airport. It was the largest crowd ever seen during any of his visits to Japan.
The entire airport seemed to shake with screams.
"Kyaaa!!"
"Kang Woojin!! Kang Woojin!!"
"Ahhh!!!"
The desperate shouts of reporters were swallowed by the noise.
"Kang Woojin!!—%$#@!"
"#%@! The Stranger's Grim Sacrifice @#!!"
"Woojin!!—Boy Friend: Remake—!!"
A few words were understandable, but overall, it was impossible to make out anything clearly. Even so, Kang Woojin calmly waved at the reporters and fans as he exited the airport.
Meanwhile, in Korea—
[[Star Talk] Kang Woojin Departs for Japan for the Production Presentation of The Stranger's Grim Sacrifice / Photo]
As expected, Japanese media simultaneously reported on Kang Woojin's movements. With multiple major issues surrounding him recently, attention in Japan was especially intense. Still, Kang Woojin showed no sign of caring. He boarded a vehicle provided by the Kashiwa Group—specifically arranged by Chairman Hideki—and headed to his assigned accommodation, the Kashiwa Tokyo Hotel.
Kang Woojin's first schedule in Japan was related to Boy Friend: Remake, consisting of interviews with two major Japanese magazines.
At that moment—
"Oh!!"
"Wow! Oppa, oppa! Look over there! On top of that building!"
"No way!!"
The stylists riding in the van with him suddenly became noisy. Even Woojin, who usually maintained an indifferent expression, turned his gaze toward where they were pointing.
'What is that?? That's me, right?!'
On the massive screen atop a large building, an advertisement for the animation Boy Friend: Remake was playing. Naturally, it was an ad, and right at the center of the screen was a large close-up of Kang Woojin's face. As the voice actor of the main character in a hugely popular animation, it was only natural for his face to take center stage. Seeing his face all over Tokyo was no longer unusual.
'This is kind of embarrassing—'
And that wasn't all.
"Oh my god! There's one on the side of that bus too!"
"Ah! It's real! Oppa! Woojin oppa! Your face is on the bus too!"
"Huh? Even that life-size standee in front of that store looks like you!"
Kang Woojin was everywhere in Tokyo.
Later.
Trying his best to hide his flustered feelings, Kang Woojin smoothly completed his first day's schedule in Japan. Every magazine interview involved an overwhelming number of photos, making it feel more like a full photoshoot.
In the late afternoon, Kang Woojin had a meal with Director Kyotaro.
"Haha, Woojin. It's only been a few months, but it feels like much longer. You look even better than before."
"Hello, Director."
"Have a seat."
Director Kyotaro, who had come straight after finishing the final editing work for The Stranger's Grim Sacrifice, immediately began discussing the progress.
"At this pace, the editing should be completed without issue by the end of September."
"Yes, I've been informed."
As Woojin replied, he thought to himself.
'Late September… that's cutting it close. It might overlap with my trip to Cannes for Leech*.'*
And that was true. The Cannes Film Festival for Leech opened on September 30, meaning Kang Woojin would need to fly out before then. Because of that, it was possible he wouldn't be able to attend the final screening of The Stranger's Grim Sacrifice. Director Kyotaro seemed to be aware of that as well.
"Cannes is on September 30 this year, right?"
He brought it up first.
"Yes. I'm not sure exactly when editing will finish, but it'll probably be around then. The screening will take place a few days after editing is completed."
"You might not be able to attend."
"I understand. It can't be helped. You're incredibly busy, Mr. Woojin. If your schedule allows, I'd really like you to attend the screening. If not, we'll proceed with the other actors."
He wanted to see the completed version of The Stranger's Grim Sacrifice with Woojin if possible.
"It'll be my first time watching a Japanese film I acted in, so I do want to see it, but I can't delay Cannes."
If the schedule couldn't be adjusted, then something would have to give.
'Tch, if it really doesn't work out, I'll just sneak into a theater when it releases and watch it then.'
After that, Director Kyotaro explained the details for the production presentation scheduled for the next day. The location was the same Kashiwa Tokyo Hotel where Kang Woojin was staying—the same place where the script reading for The Stranger's Grim Sacrifice had been held. Chairman Hideki's influence was evident. In some ways, it was convenient. Woojin could simply rest at the hotel and head down when it was time.
After finishing their meal—
"Shall we head back?"
"Yes, Director."
Kang Woojin and Director Kyotaro returned to the Kashiwa Tokyo Hotel. From the lobby alone, countless guests turned their eyes toward Woojin. With all attention on him, he entered the large hall of the hotel.
It was the grand hall where the production presentation would be held the next day.
"Wow, it's huge. It looks at least twice as big as the place where the script reading was held."
Preparations for the event were already complete. Hundreds of desks filled the hall, and at the front stood a large stage with a long table placed on top. Small cameras were installed throughout the hall, while at the back and along the corners, Japanese staff busily adjusted large cameras.
Seeing them, Director Kyotaro smiled faintly as he explained.
"That's the livestream team. You heard, right? Tomorrow's production presentation will be broadcast mainly through YouTube. We're expecting around 150 reporters."
"I see."
"Including staff and other personnel, there will be well over 250 people present. As for the general public watching through the stream, we expect tens of thousands. What do you think? Haha, just like you said, the scale has doubled."
"..."
After scanning the wide hall, Kang Woojin answered in a low voice.
"Not bad."
"That's a relief. Tomorrow, no one will be able to stop you, Woojin."
Director Kyotaro's smile deepened.
"You can do whatever you want."
Whatever he wanted? Woojin sensed a strange misunderstanding in Kyotaro's shining eyes.
'Why are his eyes sparkling like that?'
Whatever the case, after finishing the hall inspection, Kang Woojin and Director Kyotaro parted ways. Still feeling puzzled, Woojin reunited with Choi Sunggeon, who was waiting in the lobby. What stood out was the tablet in Choi Sunggeon's hand.
"Done?"
"Yes."
Nodding as he walked toward the elevator, Choi Sunggeon spoke.
"Did you agree to receive a house in LA from Miley Kara?"
A house? What house? Hearing this for the first time, Woojin quietly shook his head.
"No."
"Then why… anyway, Kara sent a list of houses in LA to the company. Take a look at this first."
Woojin had countless questions running through his mind, but outwardly, he remained calm as he looked at the tablet screen.
Inside, however, he screamed.
"..."
Naturally, the first house on the list—
'This is insane!! What is this?! There's even a pool?? Is this really a house?!'
It looked more like a mansion, complete with a swimming pool.