Peninsula: From a supporting actor to the best actor in Chungmuro

Chapter 247 Starting a business is not easy, survival is difficult

The chill of March had not yet completely dissipated, but the film and television industry had already been ignited by two surging currents of enthusiasm.

On one hand, "Descendants of the Sun" continues its triumphant run.

On the other hand, Zootopia, a captivating whirlwind from Disney, swept the globe in an unconventional manner.

The film's excellent production and profound themes certainly played a significant role in its success.

But an unexpected "accident" caused the animation to reach its peak popularity in South Korea - the Korean dubbing by Kang Jae-hoon and Bae Suzy received overwhelming praise!

"Help!!! Kang Jae-hoon oppa, please explore the world of anime more! His voice is so sweet it's making my legs weak!!!"

"I went in with a mocking attitude, thinking I'd be cringeworthy, but... I'm blown away by Kang Jae-hoon's vocal artistry! Nick's roguish yet slightly lazy vibe was completely captured by his voice, a cunning yet strangely sincere feeling? Help, I want to pet a fox just by listening to his voice!"

"Bae Suzy's Judy is absolutely amazing! She's full of energy and has an unwavering drive, which perfectly matches the rabbit character! The vibrant life force and dedication to her dreams in her voice are incredibly infectious! And the chemistry between her and Kang Jae-hoon's Nick... I'm so excited, it's even better than shipping a real-life couple!"

"I originally took my son to see the original soundtrack version (he specifically asked for it), but after we came out, I bought tickets for the Korean dub of the next show! I watched it a second time and focused on the dubbing, and it was absolutely amazing! It felt like Nick and Judy had been given a new soul! The localization of the dubbing to this level is just too good!"

"Without a doubt, this is the best Korean dubbing of the year! It's practically a battle of titans for voice actors!"

"This is what sets Kang Jae-hoon apart from those who only rely on their looks—whether standing in front of the camera or in the recording studio, his dedication to his roles and his passion for acting are equally admirable! There's a reason he's so popular!"

"A treat for voice-controlled users! My ears are pregnant!!"

"..."

Praise for the Korean dub has swept across social media like a tidal wave.

It even surpassed the reviews of the original dubbing.

Professional film critics and dubbing experts also joined in, giving it almost unanimous high praise – a rare occurrence.

[Kang Jae-hoon and Bae Suzy's voice acting is a true 're-creation' that imbues the characters with a completely new charm! They accurately capture the soul of the characters, and their expressiveness and emotional impact are comparable to the original, even surpassing it in some subtle emotional nuances!]

[A perfect match between voice and character. Kang Jae-hoon, in particular, perfectly captured Nick's complex traits—a kindness beneath his cunning, the scars beneath his cynicism, and a subtle tenderness—through nuanced vocal variations and masterful control of rhythm. This is a textbook example of voice acting!]

【…】

Disney's Korean marketing team immediately seized this sudden surge in traffic.

Arrange for Kang Jae-hoon and Bae Suzy to work together intensively.

The event venue was packed with enthusiastic fans and media.

It seemed as if the entire voice of South Korea was focused here just to capture the image of Kang Jae-hoon and Bae Suzy together.

Under the spotlight.

The two were dressed in cosplay outfits similar to those in the movie.

At the host's request, he generously recreated classic scenes from the movie, such as Nick shielding Judy from the rain, Judy putting a parking ticket on Nick, and their hug.

that moment.

The line between reality and the role becomes blurred under the bombardment of flashing lights.

Finally, it was time for the Q&A session with fans.

A female fan in the front row, her voice trembling with excitement, won a chance to draw a ticket and fixed her gaze intently on Kang Jae-hoon:

"Jae-hoon oppa! In the movie, Nick was attracted to Jodie, so would Suzy unnie attract you in real life?!"

The question was both sharp and sweet.

A huge jeer erupted from the crowd.

Countless gazes instantly focused on Jiang Zaixun.

The camera practically zooms in on your face.

After hearing the question clearly, Kang Jae-hoon subconsciously turned his head to look at Bae Soo-ji beside him.

At that moment, Bae Suzy was also looking up at him.

A few seconds of tense silence.

Kang Jae-hoon turned back to face the microphone and the cheering crowd below the stage.

The official statement is that they are just friends, the kind who respect and admire each other.

"But..."

"Personally speaking... Nick was drawn to this little rabbit, who was as energetic as a little sun..."

"Isn't this something that should be taken for granted?"

"Waaaaaaahh ...

Although there was no direct answer.

But the underlying meaning is self-evident!

The entire event went absolutely wild!

The screams from the fans almost lifted the roof off.

Bae Suzy's smile instantly blossomed like a blooming flower, and she even playfully tilted her head, making a rabbit-like "V" sign at the audience.

as predicted.

The next day.

The online world has completely fallen into a frenzy for the "Fox and Rabbit" CP (or rather, the Kang Jae-hoon x Bae Suzy CP)!

#Bae Suzy's bunny-like girlfriend charm is off the charts!#
#Nick Fox's Guide to Flirting with Rabbits#
#Janick's voice is a work of art#
#Fox and Rabbit Couple is locked in#
……

Related topics are spreading like wildfire, clinging to the charts, and their popularity is skyrocketing!
The promoters hired by Disney were overjoyed, and the fans who spontaneously joined the frenzy further fueled the marketing campaign.

A fan named "Liu Nian Si Shui" with maximum technical skills even worked through the night.

The main visuals feature animated scenes from the movie, showcasing Nick and Judy's journey from meeting and confronting each other to fighting side-by-side.

at the same time.

The film cleverly incorporates scenes of Bae Suzy and Kang Jae-hoon together at various press conferences, award ceremonies, and even interviews, as well as candid backstage moments of playful banter, moments of laughter while looking at each other, and clips of their interactions in "The Producers" as sub-images or picture-in-pictures.

It is set to the upbeat "Try Everything" from Zootopia as background music.

A three-and-a-half-minute video titled "The Fox and Rabbit Pact: Live-Action | A Fateful Gaze | Kang Jae-hoon & Bae Suzy | Voiceover: Rekindling Their Fate" has been released!

The scene in the movie where Nick raises his eyebrows in a cool and roguish way is followed by the moment at the press conference when Kang Jae-hoon raises his eyebrows at Bae Suzy;

Nick's lazy voice when he said "cunning rabbit" in the car was accompanied by the original sound of Kang Jae-hoon's response "not exactly expected" on set.

In the animation, the fox and the rabbit run side by side on the bustling jungle avenue of Zootopia, which overlaps with the scene of Kang Jae-hoon and Bae Suzy walking side by side on stage in reality.

That feeling...

It's as if the characters in the animation had already foretold their arrival on Earth and found a host.

It's as if the two of them are portraying the same indescribable bond and feelings in different ways, both on and off screen.

Within just a few hours of the video being released.

Clicks, shares, likes, and comments exploded exponentially!

"Ahhh! Amazing editing! The synchronization is incredible!"

"This is incredible! Is this what destiny is?!"

"Does this editing master take on apprentices?? Their skills are amazing!"

"I was totally smitten after watching the edit! Their chemistry and the atmosphere between them are just too much! It would be really hard for them not to get married!"

"This is amazing! My favorite couple has been sweet from the 2D world all the way into the 3D world! What an incredible collaboration!"

"I declare this to be the greatest K-pop couple mashup of 2016!"

"..."

Countless fans enthusiastically recommended it.

The frenzy surrounding the "Fox and Rabbit Couple" is growing stronger and stronger.

Kang Jae-hoon and Bae Suzy became the absolute center of attention amidst the unprecedented sound effects spectacle and cross-industry CP storm sparked by "Zootopia," with the spotlight seemingly shining only on them.

The roadshow schedule is now even more packed.

Everywhere you go.

All of them were like mountains roaring and seas surging.

however.

At this moment of peak anticipation.

An earthquake that shook the entire Korean entertainment industry exploded without warning—

SEM Company, the agency of Kang Jae-hoon, suddenly released an extremely brief yet weighty statement on its official website:
【announcement】

The exclusive contract between our agency and its artist, actor Kang Jae-hoon, has recently expired.

Based on mutual respect and considerations of individual career planning, both parties, after in-depth communication, jointly decided not to continue the contractual relationship.

We sincerely thank Kang Jae-hoon for his contributions to the company during his tenure, and wish him continued success and a bright future on his new journey.

……

A short official statement.

It instantly ignited a discussion storm even more terrifying than the "Fox and Rabbit CP"!

The entire internet was in an uproar!

That was the starting point for Kang Jae-hoon's meteoric rise!

It was the foundation upon which Hwang Jung-min, a bigwig in Chungmuro, personally supported him all the way!

The company that signed him was the talent scout when he was just an unknown extra!

now.

While Kang Jae-hoon is once again generating buzz with "Descendants of the Sun," and the Korean dub of "Zootopia" has achieved legendary status in terms of voice acting—

The contract actually "ended successfully"?
And there was no renewal!
Social media platform servers were almost overwhelmed by the surge in traffic.

Countless hashtags such as "#KangJaeHoonLeavesSEM#", "#KangJaeHoonTerminatesContract#", and "#WhoWillTakeOverKangJaeHoon#" shot to the top of the trending searches at lightning speed and firmly occupied the top spot.

"What's going on? Have Kang Jae-hoon and Hwang Jung-min, master and apprentice, fallen out?"

"Wow! The Declaration of Independence? Looks like they've really grown wings!"

"Isn't that normal? With his current status, why would he be stuck in a small workshop?"

"How could SEM let him go?? This is practically letting go of a walking, breathing God of Wealth! This is impossible!"

"It's definitely because Kang Jae-hoon doesn't appreciate our past favors and wants to go independent! He's gotten arrogant after his big breakout!"

"The SEM revenue sharing ratio is definitely problematic! It's exploiting people too much; nobody would do that!"

"..."

Compared to the heated discussions among onlookers.

In the realm of genuine capital and professional brokerage, however, it has triggered a different, turbulent undercurrent.

The big spenders are green with envy!

The actor's value needs no further explanation.

What's even more remarkable is—

He is still young!

The future potential is extremely high!
As long as they can sign him to their company—

Media exposure? Top level!

Shareholder confidence? Absolutely sky-high!
Market valuation? Soaring!

Potential collaboration resources? A constant stream!

Just imagining the enormous profits that can be expected is enough to make countless people breathless and their hearts race!
however.

In ecstasy.

Even the usually composed decision-makers quickly fell into deep doubt and unease.

How could SEM bear to let go of such a "cash cow" at its peak?
Was it truly "after sincere and effective communication" and "completed satisfactorily"?
Anyone who believes that is a fool!

There are two completely different versions circulating in the industry:
Version 1:

Kang Jae-hoon got cocky and now he wants to go solo.

This possibility is actually an easier temptation for brokerage firms to operate and accept.

It's simply a matter of money!

The conditions your SEM provided are insufficient to meet the needs of this newly emerging top influencer?

OK! Let's do it! What's the profit-sharing ratio?

We can negotiate! Even an 8:2 score is fine!

Signing bonus?
open!

We'll offer you a price you can't refuse!
to be honest.

Anything that can be solved with money and resources is not a problem in the eyes of these financial giants.

Version 2:
Huang Zhengmin's "exploitation" was so ruthless that his disciples could no longer bear it and sought other ways out.

This version is extremely tricky.

Who is Hwang Jung-min?
The evergreen tree that stands tall on Chungmuro!
Extensive network, guaranteed box office success, and immense influence!
They wield significant influence in the film industry.

Even some large film and television investors listen to his opinions when casting roles.

If such a powerful figure were to become enraged by Kang Jae-hoon's departure... the consequences would be unimaginable!
There's an unwritten "rule" in the industry:
Don't easily offend truly top-tier figures.

Especially veteran actors like Hwang Jung-min, whose influence is deeply ingrained and whose foundation is solid.

What if he really harbors resentment towards Kang Jae-hoon and privately expresses some hints that he "doesn't think much of him" or "should be used with caution"...

Kang Jae-hoon's future film career may suddenly encounter many invisible "obstacles"—

Excellent film scripts will "coincidentally" bypass him, competition for certain important roles will become exceptionally difficult, and some high-quality commercial resources may inexplicably "drift away."

In a word:

If a powerful figure really wants to blacklist an actor, even if they don't say it explicitly, people in the industry will naturally understand.

This risk...

It was something that those agencies that coveted Kang Jae-hoon had to repeatedly weigh.

Sign him.

You might get a huge, shining gold signboard.

But at the same time.

It could also mean... that you're about to take on a hot potato.

Suddenly, a storm was brewing.

Kim Dae-won's phone has been constantly buzzing since the day the announcement was made.

Within three sentences of each phone call, the conversation inevitably veers towards two fatal issues:
"What were the specific reasons for the contract termination? Was it really an amicable split?" (Translation: Was it a peaceful split or did things fall apart internally? Is there any hidden threat involving Hwang Jung-min?)

"What's Hwang Jung-min's attitude now?" (Translation: Has the big boss made any statements? Will he take his anger out on the partners? Will he secretly sabotage us?)

It wasn't just Kim Dae-won whose phone was ringing off the hook.

The women around Kang Jae-hoon were also inevitably affected by this storm.

As someone in the industry with whom he has a close relationship.

They also became, to varying degrees, "intelligence points" or "pressure transmission stations" for indirect intelligence gathering.

That's the reality of the capitalist world.

Even someone as radiant as Kang Jae-hoon.

Once potential risks and factional disputes are involved, all covetousness will be shrouded in a thick armor of hesitation.

but.

As the saying goes, the timid starve, while the bold feast.

There is a cautious group that looks around, weighs the pros and cons, and is afraid of making a mistake.

Of course, there are also "warriors" who believe in seeking wealth and fortune through danger and who will bravely charge forward with sacks in hand.

Lee Byung-hun somehow managed to bypass layers of intermediaries and directly obtain Kang Jae-hoon's private phone number.

One phone call, straight to the point.

There was no small talk or pleasantries:

"I am Lee Byung-hun."

"Come to my BH Entertainment."

"I'll get you the Blue Dragon Film Award for Best Actor within three years!"

"..."

Lee Byung-hun's words were not unfounded.

His skill and track record in promoting people are undeniable.

Moreover.

Korean film history also proves that winning Best Actor and Best Actress awards before the age of 30 is not an unattainable myth.

Lee Jung-jae won the Blue Dragon Film Award for Best Actor at the age of 26 for his role in "City of the Rising Sun".
Yoo Ah-in shone brightly in "The Throne," and at the age of 29, he was nominated for and eventually won the Best Actor award.

There are even more actresses.

Jeon Do-yeon, Son Ye-jin, Jun Ji-hyun, Han Hyo-joo, etc.

The path to heaven was paved with these real lessons from the past.

Lee Byung-hun's promise of a "three-year Best Actor" award is a significant step for Kang Jae-hoon, who is currently at the peak of his career and striving to prove himself beyond just box office and commercial value.

Temptation.

It was deadly.

however.

After listening to Lee Byung-hun's domineering yet perfectly timed "Best Actor blueprint" offensive, Kang Jae-hoon was deeply impressed.

His face showed no sign of excitement, hesitation, or flattery.

He simply made a gesture that made Hwang Jung-min and his wife laugh—

Silently, he pushed the phone, which was on speakerphone, in front of Huang Zhengmin across the table.

Seeing this, Hwang Jung-min put down his teacup and leaned forward slightly to get closer to his phone.
"Aigoo, our Byung-hun~"

"That eye for talent...tsk tsk, still so sharp! And that move...(laughs out loud) is still so fast that others can't keep up!"

"..."

On the other end of the phone.

A deathly silence fell.

Imagine.

Lee Byung-hun's usually composed and rarely flustered face must be showing utter astonishment and frantic activity at this moment.

After a while.

His voice, a mixture of laughter and tears, came through the phone's speaker:

"...Hwang Jung-min? Oh!"

"You! You bastard! How could you so easily, so... peacefully let this tree go, cough!"

Lee Byung-hun swallowed the words "cash cow" and used a different phrase:

"Such a promising talent!"

"So it turned out it was all a show they directed and acted in themselves?!"

"It's a trick! It's all a trick!!!"

"I'm going to file a formal complaint against you, Lao Huang! You're wasting public resources! Stirring up the market! Creating false panic!"

"Hahahahahaha!!!"

Hwang Jung-min could no longer hold back and burst into a hearty laugh.

Kim Mi-hye pursed her lips, unable to suppress a smile.

Kang Jae-hoon also lowered his head, his shoulders twitching suspiciously a few times.

Lee Byung-hun, unhappy at being tricked, deliberately raised his voice, clearly speaking to Kang Jae-hoon:
"BH Entertainment's doors are always open for you. The terms remain the same. Think it over carefully! Following your teacher is about learning skills, but coming here is about building your empire! The nature of the two is completely different!"

"..."

The phone hangs up.

Hwang Jung-min's cheerful laughter and Lee Byung-hun's resentful words, "The door is always open," still echoed in the private room.

The main event is over.

The next step is the more crucial substantive progress.

The teacher's wife, Kim Mi-hye, elegantly picked up the tablet computer, tapped it lightly, and brought up several pre-prepared documents.

"Currently, among the medium-sized film and television production companies that meet our needs and have acquisition intentions or operational space, we have selected three that are worth following closely."

"First, Muse Production."

"You're familiar with this company. They did co-production for 'A Violent Prosecutor,' and while they're a moderately sized company, they have solid production experience in genre films, especially in crime action and dark comedy. Their weaknesses lie in their lack of original scriptwriting ability and stable top-tier director resources, and they've long relied on subcontracting work from major studios to make a living. Their estimated size is between 55 and 60 billion Korean won. Their advantage is that the team works well together, and the basic operational risk is low after the takeover."

"Second, Ciel Media."

"This company used to focus on web dramas and variety show-derived micro-films, which is a relatively new approach. The team is young and particularly skilled in urban bourgeois themes and fast-paced editing, with some well-received works on YouTube and Netflix. The valuation target is relatively low, around 45 billion. The disadvantage is the lack of experience in traditional film projects, and the brand's recognition in the mainstream is almost zero. But the advantage is its strong adaptability."

"Third, Vizion Pictures."

"This company used to be the most well-established among them. A couple of years ago, they released an art-house film that won a few local awards. However, the founder has health problems and needs to take a break, and the family prefers to cash out and exit as soon as possible. Their asking price is relatively reasonable, around 50 billion yuan. The core production team is stable, but the problem is that their works are niche, and they need to be bold to transform."

Kang Jae-hoon carefully reviewed each document.

The teacher's wife's assessment was concise, clear, and to the point.

But how much does he have?
After deducting various taxes and necessary expenses, the account has approximately 14 billion Korean won in cash.

Add to that the benefit of being free after leaving the company – after the contract is terminated, the income structure will immediately change drastically when signing new advertising endorsements.

Without the agency taking the lion's share, and only the necessary team operating costs and taxes, based on his current status and commercial value, signing a few new endorsements and earning a net income of over 10 billion Korean won shouldn't be a problem, and the cycle shouldn't be too long.

So……

14 billion (existing deposits) + over 10 billion (expected endorsement fees in the near future) + 30 billion (investment from the master's wife) ≈ 54 billion Korean won.

Does this seem sufficient to cover offers from Ciel Media or Vizion Pictures?
But that’s not how it works.

The reality is far more stark than the numbers on paper suggest.

Acquiring a company valued at 50 billion won is not something that can be settled simply by paying 50 billion won.

The company's valuation is based on a comprehensive assessment of its various assets, businesses, and liabilities.

50 billion usually refers to equity value or enterprise value.

When making an acquisition, factors such as debt assumption, acquisition premium, integration costs, working capital injection, transaction taxes and fees, and intermediary fees also need to be considered.

simply put.

100 billion Korean won is the minimum requirement for a film and television company to survive.

therefore.

A massive shortfall of 50 billion won loomed before the ambitious Jiang Zaixun.

This money...

Where can I get it?

Looking for a bank loan?
The inherently high-risk nature of the film and television industry makes this option extremely dangerous.

Introducing other external capital?

That would mean diluting equity and control, which goes against the original intention of "independence".

even……

The master's wife's 30 billion was also an equity investment; what she needed was a return on equity, not simply a loan.

The dazzling city lights outside the window were reflected in Kang Jae-hoon's thoughtful eyes.

That light is both a temptation and a heavy burden on one's shoulders, along with a fog of uncertainty.

money.

This is the most realistic and also the most cruel question.

For the first time after leaving the wing of SEM, his business was laid bare on the map, declaring that starting a business is not easy and survival is difficult.

(End of this chapter)