I was Mistaken as a Monstrous Genius Actor [EN]: Chapter 80

“Conditions?”

Yoon Byung-sun PD’s eyes widened slightly, surprised by the word ‘conditions.’ Kang Woo-jin, on the other hand, was unfazed.

‘Whatever, I’m just going with it.’

Yoon Byung-sun PD must have seen Woo-jin’s eccentric side during ‘Sports Day.’ It was a persona, of course, but a little bluffing and acting tough shouldn’t hurt.

‘It’s not a random demand; it’s essential for my future.’

Fortunately, Yoon Byung-sun PD reacted casually.

“Okay, if it’s not too much, we’ll try to accommodate it.”

Yoon Byung-sun PD was a top figure in the entertainment industry, used to dealing with celebrities and their demands. So, Woo-jin spoke relatively comfortably.

“First, aside from the basics, I’d prefer not to delve too deeply into my past.”

“Oh, a mysterious concept?”

Woo-jin flinched at the word ‘concept’ but maintained his composure.

“No, not a concept. I’d rather focus on my present self.”

“Ah-”

“I’d also prefer no speculative portrayals. I’ll be open once I’m an actor, but I don’t want to reveal my past private life.”

“I understand. Many celebrities have similar circumstances; it’s not a big deal.”

It was true. Most domestic celebrities hide their past. Celebrities are products, after all. A pretty package is essential, and it’s better to have no past that could damage it.

Solid image-making.

Some celebrities fall from grace when their past is exposed, while others are praised for hidden good deeds. But those are exceptions, and most celebrities don’t reveal their past.

Yoon Byung-sun PD knew this well.

Those who rise to stardom quickly or are rising rookies hide it even more. They’re sensitive, their roots are weak because they’ve risen so fast. Kang Woo-jin was rising faster than anyone. Yoon Byung-sun PD was already planning to be considerate.

However.

‘Hmm—judging by his personality, I thought it wouldn’t be easy, and it seems like there’s something deep in his past.’

The misunderstanding grew.

‘He wouldn’t have gained that acting skill and foreign language ability easily. There’s a fierce determination in his eyes that doesn’t match his age.’

Whatever it was, the past was the past. Yoon Byung-sun PD was future-oriented and only wanted the current Kang Woo-jin.

“I promise. We can add it to the contract. We won’t include even a hint of that during editing.”

“Thank you.”

“No, as I said, many actors have such conditions. And I don’t really care. As long as Woo-jin hasn’t committed any crimes, haha.”

It was a joke to lighten the mood. But seeing Woo-jin’s silent expression, Yoon Byung-sun PD’s laughter faded.

“Ha…haha. Ah, you haven’t, right? Crimes.”

Of course not. He had lived a very clean life, even paying his rent on time. Kang Woo-jin answered confidently.

“Of course not, never.”

“Of course, it was a joke. What are the other conditions?”

“Could I know who I’ll be working with in advance?”

Kang Woo-jin wanted to know the cast members in advance for a simple reason.

‘I’m done with being surprised.’

He wanted to be prepared. The entertainment industry was unfamiliar to him. Knowing in advance would lessen the shock. At that moment, Yoon Byung-sun PD received a file from the writers.

“Of course, I should tell you. We usually reveal it anyway. Some people decide after seeing their counterparts.”

He handed it to Kang Woo-jin.

“We’re looking at six people. Ahn Jong-hak and Ha Kang-soo are confirmed. One is still being negotiated. And of course, Kang Woo-jin too.”

Ahn Jong-hak was a top entertainer, successful in acting, variety shows, and singing. Ha Kang-soo was a typical top actor, visually on par with Ryu Jung-min.

Two great actors were already on board.

But Yoon Byung-sun PD wasn’t finished.

“We’re looking at two women. One is Hwa-rin.”

“…Who? Hwa-rin?”

“Yes. Ah—right? You’re working with Hwa-rin on that Netflix short, aren’t you?”

“Yes.”

“Haha, Hwa-rin was considered from the start. We contacted her before Woo-jin. She’s fluent in Japanese, having worked in Japan, and I’ve worked with her before.”

“I see. Is Hwa-rin confirmed?”

“Confirmed. She said her solo project is the Netflix one, and it’s short. Are you uncomfortable with Hwa-rin?”

Not really. Kang Woo-jin was indifferent to Hwa-rin. Her first impression wasn’t great.

‘Hwa-rin is probably more uncomfortable with me than I am with her.’

Kang Woo-jin looked at the casting board and thought for a moment. But not for long. When else would he go overseas for free? And on Yoon Byung-sun PD’s big variety show.

The recognition was a bonus.

He would do a variety show eventually, and it was better to start with a big project. Honestly, Woo-jin thought it might be fun.

‘I also want to try speaking English or Japanese openly.’

Kang Woo-jin, imagining himself overseas, looked up at Yoon Byung-sun PD and said in a low voice.

“I’ll do my best.”

Yoon Byung-sun PD, smiling, grabbed Kang Woo-jin’s hand.

“Thank you, I’m already looking forward to it. Working with you, Woo-jin.”

He took out his phone.

“Then, shall we discuss the details with CEO Choi?”

At the same time.

While Kang Woo-jin discussed details with Yoon Byung-sun PD, things were happening in the entertainment industry. The filming of ‘Drug Dealer’ was accelerating, even though Kang Woo-jin had left temporarily.

The atmosphere on set was even more heated after Woo-jin’s visit.

“Ah—Director, I’m sorry. Let’s do this scene again.”

“Huh? Jae-joon. I thought it was fine?”

“I think I mumbled the lines. Please.”

“Okay, okay.”

Not only the staff but also the actors were on fire. The tension was high because of Han-ryang [Kang Woo-jin’s character name in the movie].

“Director, don’t you think the actors’ fighting spirit has increased?”

“It’s because of Woo-jin. A rising rookie came as a fill-in and showed that level of acting. I’d be working hard too if I were them.”

It was the effect of Kang Woo-jin, the acting monster.

Among the projects Woo-jin joined, star writer Lee Wol-sun’s new work was also progressing.

『[Issue Check] Star Writer ‘Lee Wol-sun’s New Work’ Awarded to KBC’s Top PD Song Hyuk』

With the production team and main PD confirmed, pre-production had begun. Although Kang Woo-jin was the only actor confirmed, top actors were being considered for Lee Wol-sun’s new work.

The casting was expected to be completed soon.

Unofficial big shots were also busy.

For example, Takikawa Akari, a popular Japanese novelist visiting Korea. She was giving interviews to the domestic publishing industry media.

『[Photo] World-Renowned Novelist Takikawa Akari Visits Korea: “One of My Works Will Be Made into a Movie”』

She revealed that one of her works would be adapted into a film. Director Kyotaro, who came with Akari, was secretly moving around.

“Hello, Director.”

“It’s been a while. You’ve checked the email, right?”

He was meeting with a domestic import and distribution company. Only a few people knew about it.

“This project will be released in both Korea and Japan.”

Director Kwon Ki-taek’s side was also secretive, but some reporters released articles.

『[Movie Talk] Whispers of Director Kwon Ki-taek’s New Work, Industry Insider Says, “The Script Is Already Circulating in the Market”』

It didn’t spread much.

There was high interest in director Kwon Ki-taek’s next project. He was influential, and there had been few major works recently. Regardless, director Kwon Ki-taek’s ‘Island of Disappearance’ was in pre-production.

The casting of main and supporting roles, including Kang Woo-jin and Ryu Jung-min, was in its final stages, and they were moving on to storyboards.

The entertainment industry was running as usual, and night fell.

The location was a coin karaoke near Samsung Station.

It was past 9 PM. But because it was large, there were many customers. Students, girls with friends, men having a drink, and so on.

In one room, three girls were gathered.

“Ah—um, what should we sing?”

“I’ll sing first?”

“Ah! Wait a minute!”

At that moment, a faint pop song was heard from the next room.

-♬♪

When the intro started, the girls didn’t think much of it. But when the actual song began.

“…Wow—wait, he’s so good at singing.”

“That pop song is crazy? What’s with the pronunciation? Is he a foreigner?”

The girls stopped and listened. It was a male voice, but his singing was outstanding.

“How? His voice is so captivating.”

“Is a real singer here?”

“Wow, my ears are melting.”

“I think he’s a singer? Should we peek?”

To them, the man sounded like a singer. But for now, they just listened. Then.

-♬♪

“Huh? This time it’s a Japanese song?”

After the pop song, the man started singing J-pop. His skill was just as great.

“He’s…also really good at Japanese songs.”

“I don’t know Japanese well, but isn’t his pronunciation really good? It doesn’t sound awkward at all?”

“Ah—maybe they’re playing a promotional video in the next room.”

“Huh? Anyone can tell someone is singing it?”

One thing was certain.

“Wow, I want to hear it up close.”

Whether it was a pop song or a Japanese song, the girls were captivated. And slowly.

“Look, is he a singer?”

“I don’t know, I can’t see well.”

Customers began to gather around the man’s room. Students, girls, and men alike.

Whether he knew it or not.

-♬♪

The third song began. This time it was a Korean song, a famous ballad considered a forbidden song among men. The onlookers were in awe.

“Wow—if you sing this song well, it’s amazing.”

“He’s definitely a singer, who is he? Isn’t there a way to find out by his voice?”

“The song is good…”

Soon.

-Click.

The person with singer-level skills came out. He wore a black hat and mask. He was tall and had a good physique. The onlookers sensed it.

That’s a celebrity.

Judging by his singing, he was a singer. Students, girls, and men tried to approach him.

“Um, excuse me—”

However, the man glanced at them and quickly walked out of the coin karaoke.

“Ah!!”

Some students tried to chase him, but he disappeared up the stairs. The remaining onlookers looked dejectedly at the room.

“He was amazing, right?”

“Who was that singer? Ah—he was definitely a singer.”

“Isn’t he an idol? He had that kind of vibe.”

“Why would an idol come here?”

The man who had turned the coin karaoke upside down was now in an alleyway. He glanced back. No one was following him. He lowered his mask slightly.

Kang Woo-jin smiled faintly.

“Wow—man, what am I?”

He didn’t expect this. He went to a coin karaoke near his house as an experiment and was amazed by his own singing. The onlookers were proof.

Kang Woo-jin’s singing was much better than before.

“Can’t I really be a singer?”

He was good enough to be a singer.

11th, Netflix Korea.

Late morning. Hwa-rin got out of a van in the underground parking lot. She wore a half-sleeved shirt showing her belly button and had her long hair in a braid. Her makeup was light, highlighting the mole under her eye.

She said.

“I’ll be back—”

She greeted her manager in the van. The manager waved.

“Okay—do well. Should I buy something?”

“I’m fine. Everyone, go eat.”

“Okay!”

Hwa-rin turned towards the elevator. Today, there was an important meeting about ‘Male Friend’ at Netflix Korea. There were also other matters to decide, like the OST and schedule. Only key personnel would gather without the manager team. Writers, actors, etc.

Hwa-rin pressed the elevator button.

‘I heard the PD has been decided. Who did they choose?’

Hwa-rin looked at her phone. She accessed Kang Woo-jin’s SNS first.

“Ah, seriously, I have to say it today. That I’m a fan.”

Next was Kang Woo-jin’s fan cafe. Checking his SNS or fan cafe had become a daily routine for Hwa-rin.

“I’m going to get close to him. I can do it.”

Hwa-rin was aiming to be a successful fan. She couldn’t openly say she was a fangirl, but she could at least say she was a fan and try to get along. Hwa-rin encouraged herself and looked up.

At that moment.

-Swoosh.

A low male voice and presence reached her.

“Hello.”

Hwa-rin, startled, turned her head. Kang Woo-jin, with an indifferent face, was right in front of her. Her mind went blank. All her resolutions disappeared.

She looked away at the elevator door.

“…Ah, hello.”

“Yes.”

“……”

Her body and mind were acting separately. The conversation ended. The elevator door opened, and Kang Woo-jin and Hwa-rin got on side by side. Hwa-rin fidgeted with her bracelet.

‘Ha, I’m going crazy. Why am I so nervous? Just say it. Just say you’re a fan? Let’s calm down. You can do it, you can.’

She calmed herself and mustered courage.

“Um, excuse me.”

However.

-Ding!

The elevator was an obstacle. The doors opened at their floor. Kang Woo-jin moved and asked Hwa-rin.

“Yes?”

Hwa-rin followed him in a daze. Their arms brushed, and Hwa-rin’s thoughts stopped again.

‘Ugh.’

Woo-jin, standing in the hallway, stared at Hwa-rin and murmured.

“Are you okay?”

“……”

Hwa-rin barely managed to answer.

“I, I need to go to the bathroom!”

She walked awkwardly down the hallway, and Kang Woo-jin, watching her, narrowed his brow.

‘What, is she avoiding me? That’s a bit absurd?’

At that moment, Hwa-rin’s bracelet fell to the floor. But she didn’t notice and kept walking. She turned the corner.

-Swoosh.

Hwa-rin leaned against the wall near the corner, in front of the bathroom. She put her hand on her heart.

‘Ha, of all times, our arms had to brush. My heart almost burst. I only saw him for a moment, but if it’s this much…’

She muttered with a tearful face.

“I can’t say it, absolutely. If I tell Woo-jin that I’m a fangirl, he’ll think I’m a crazy woman.”

She bit her lip, sighed, and rushed into the bathroom. And.

“…Uh—”

Behind the corner, Kang Woo-jin was standing awkwardly. In his right hand was Hwa-rin’s bracelet.

“Huh?”

The expressionless Kang Woo-jin blinked.

“Hwa-rin is fangirling over me?”