I was Mistaken as a Monstrous Genius Actor [EN]: Chapter 242

“Song Man-woo PD?” Kang Woo-jin, who had been looking at Han Ye-jung’s phone, raised his head. Choi Sung-gun, with his ponytail, tapped his own phone.

“What, you didn’t get any separate calls, right?”

“No, I didn’t.”

“Hmm—there wasn’t a meeting with Song PD on this Korean schedule.”

Choi Sung-gun muttered, putting the phone to his ear.

“Hello—PD-nim [PD-nim is a Korean honorific for a producer or director]. I was just about to call you.”

To Choi Sung-gun’s polite greeting, Song Man-woo PD’s response from the other end of the phone was slightly serious.

“Hello, CEO Choi. I heard you came to Korea today.”

“Yes, yes, PD-nim. I’m in Seoul right now.”

“Is it possible to have a brief meeting with Woo-jin during your Korean schedule? I’d really like to see him before he goes back to Japan.”

Then, Choi Sung-gun turned and made eye contact with Kang Woo-jin.

“Well—it’s possible, but today might be difficult… Just a moment, PD-nim. I’ll check the schedule right away.”

“Yes, CEO.”

Choi Sung-gun, who put his hand over the phone to block out external noise, asked Woo-jin.

“Song PD wants to see you, seems urgent? But the schedule is a bit tight for the next few days? And you’ll be tired today after filming ‘Leech’.”

Kang Woo-jin shook his head nonchalantly.

“I’m okay with today too.”

“Well—you don’t look too tired, but there’s no need to overdo it.”

“No. I’m fine.”

In reality, Woo-jin was a bit tired, but not to the point of exhaustion. If it got too hard, he could rest in the subspace. Anyway, Choi Sung-gun seemed to understand.

“Okay, but today is a bit much. I’ll ask if tomorrow morning is okay.”

“Yes.”

He put the phone back to his ear.

“PD-nim, is tomorrow morning okay?”

Song Man-woo PD’s answer was quick.

“Of course, it’s fine. Just let me know the time, and I’ll go to BW Entertainment.”

“Oh my—would you do that? Okay. I’ll contact you again.”

“Yes, CEO.”

The call ended like that.

Choi Sung-gun muttered with a somewhat puzzled look.

“He says he’ll come in person. We can see him before the schedule starts tomorrow.”

Kang Woo-jin nodded slowly. Then, he showed Han Ye-jung’s phone and explained to Choi Sung-gun. What the SNS post was about, who the famous Japanese voice actress was, and so on. Since Choi Sung-gun was there at the time, he understood quickly.

“Ah! The person you said was her mother??”

Soon, Choi Sung-gun’s brain started spinning rapidly.

“Wow—that person was a famous Japanese voice actress? I didn’t know that. It’s already noisy in Japan because of your piano thing, Woo-jin, right? There was a lot of buzz. But this person has given it a proper twist, hasn’t she?”

“Is that so?”

“Yeah. Honestly, there were a lot of customers in that restaurant, and I expected it to spread to some extent… But if it turns out like this, the situation changes drastically. It goes from just a noisy issue to a heartwarming story. And the person involved is a famous voice actress. The story is good too. You did it sincerely, but in the murky entertainment industry, this kind of thing works well.”

Well, Kang Woo-jin roughly knew it too. He had often seen famous celebrities become a hot topic with heartwarming stories. Of course, Choi Sung-gun was more knowledgeable.

“Something—it’s unusual? With this content, it’s almost a heroic tale, not just a heartwarming one. Woo-jin, you’re a foreign actor. There are many keywords that stimulate the emotions of the Japanese public, and although it’s the same in Korea, Japan is especially crazy about these kinds of stories.”

However, Kang Woo-jin was currently in Korea, not Japan, so the situation in Japan was unclear. But Choi Sung-gun wasn’t one to sit idly by.

“I need to—check the radar first. How much traction it’s getting. I need to get our marketing team to monitor it.”

Choi Sung-gun, who was calling the company, gave Kang Woo-jin a thumbs up.

“If this goes well, you might be treated like a real hero when you go back to Japan.”

Back.

After the ‘Leech’ audition, which was the first schedule of his return to Korea, Kang Woo-jin moved on to the second schedule, an interview with a major media company. Originally, Choi Sung-gun tended to avoid interviews with media companies, but if you hide too much, there are times when it backfires.

Especially for an ‘issue king’ like Kang Woo-jin.

Rumors, abusive articles, and tabloids are rampant. That’s why it was necessary to have a time to clear the air like this once in a while.

Above all, some of Kang Woo-jin’s issues are still hot.

‘Our Table,’ which recorded nearly 20% viewership, the news of Song Man-woo PD and Kang Woo-jin’s collaboration on ‘Beneficial Evil,’ ‘Island of the Missing’ which declared filming wrapped, ‘Strange Geisha’ in Japan, Kang Woo-jin’s piano-related issue that suddenly broke out, and his stealthy entry into the country.

There were dozens of pieces of bait.

It was time for a clear 정리 [jeong-ri – a Korean word meaning to organize, settle, or clear up].

That’s how the 4th day ended. Then came Friday, the 5th.

From early morning, Director Ahn Ga-bok, who had organized the auditions, and the ‘Leech’ team gathered in the film company’s conference room. There were about six people. Among them, Director Ahn Ga-bok sat at the head of the ㅁ-shaped table [a table shaped like the Korean character ‘ㅁ’].

The atmosphere was quite serious.

It was understandable. They had seen something unexpectedly huge at the audition. But the ‘Leech’ team didn’t have time to think about other things. Moreover, judging by Director Ahn Ga-bok’s firm expression, it seemed like they were going to make a decision today.

Soon, the film company’s CEO, who was sitting next to Director Ahn Ga-bok, asked.

“Director, are you okay? The audition hurdle has unexpectedly become higher.”

Director Ahn Ga-bok, with his short white hair, chuckled.

“That’s right. I’m just sorry.”

“Yes?”

“For making Woo-jin take on such a role. That’s something I, as the director, should have done. I was too rushed to even think about it.”

“…It seems that Kang Woo-jin was deeply thinking about ‘Leech,’ even though he seems blunt on the outside.”

Director Ahn Ga-bok, who was recalling Kang Woo-jin’s face, slowly nodded.

“He’s broad-minded. He just doesn’t show it, but he has a lot of affection for the works he takes on. What do they call it these days? Tsundere?”

“Ah—yes, that’s right.”

“That young friend is acting so boldly, so we need to speed things up too.”

The key staff of ‘Leech,’ including the film company’s CEO, had a sense of determination on their faces. At the same time, the cameraman with a protruding belly chimed in.

“But, should we not contact Senior Shim Han-ho? His expression wasn’t very good when he left the small theater yesterday.”

“If he’s the kind of friend who would crumble at that level, he wouldn’t have been able to carry the Korean acting scene until now.”

Director Ahn Ga-bok, who answered briefly, unfolded the stack of papers in front of him. It was the profiles of the actors who participated in yesterday’s audition, and the evaluation sheets that Director Ahn Ga-bok had filled out during the audition.

It was time to make a decision now.

“First, the role of ‘Yoon Ja-ho’.”

A deep conversation about the role of ‘Yoon Ja-ho,’ which several people besides Jin Jae-joon had coveted, ensued.

“What do you guys think?”

“Jae-joon’s acting tension has increased a lot.”

“It’s unrecognizable compared to last year. It seems he leveled up in ‘Drug Dealer.’ It was a different performance than before.”

Director Ahn Ga-bok chuckled.

“‘Drug Dealer’—Woo-jin is also there, isn’t he?”

“Ah.”

“A first-year actor is influencing the top actors here and there. Anyway, I felt that Jin Jae-joon was a bit lacking. That friend can do better. The audition felt a bit light.”

“Was it because Kang Woo-jin was in front of him?”

“Maybe. But it’s not like the other actors did as well as Jin Jae-joon.”

“Certainly…”

The meeting gradually became more intense.

“The role of ‘Yoon Ji-min’ is the most difficult to decide on.”

“Hmm—”

“Hong Hye-yeon stood out the most.”

“It felt like her weaknesses were greatly improved.”

“Wasn’t Hwa-rin’s tension better than expected? I was surprised that she did so well.”

“I think Han So-jin. She was the most natural, unlike a rookie. If she keeps going like that, she’ll soon stand out. She’s good now, but…”

“Haha, talking like that makes me realize that Kang Woo-jin is an absurd existence.”

“Woo-jin is an exception. We shouldn’t group him with the same name value.”

“He’s such an absurd oddball.”

Many words poured out. Surprisingly, opinions were divided. In response, Director Ahn Ga-bok twirled his pen while looking down at the evaluation sheet he had written.

About an hour later.

-Swish.

Director Ahn Ga-bok pushed the evaluation sheet with the confirmed actor names to the film company’s CEO.

“Let’s go with this. Notify the actors and announce it externally today.”

Meanwhile.

Around 9 a.m. The location was BW Entertainment in Samseong-dong. BW Entertainment, which had recently moved to a larger place, was well-organized inside. While the employees were busy coming to work, there was already a group of people in the largest meeting room. One of them was Kang Woo-jin.

He had to go to the salon before his schedule, so he was currently wearing a hat and his frequently used navy long padding [a long, padded winter coat].

The concept was strong from early morning.

Only Choi Sung-gun was sitting around Woo-jin, and across from them, by the window, only Song Man-woo PD with a beard was sitting alone. His face was quite firm. Judging by the atmosphere, it didn’t seem like a small matter.

Then, Song Man-woo PD, who had already finished the recent updates and simple greetings, continued to speak to the calm Woo-jin.

“Woo-jin, as you’ve heard from time to time, we’re looking at the pre-production of ‘Beneficial Evil’ very carefully. We were also choosing the final destination.”

Final destination? Ah—are they talking about a broadcasting station or something? Come to think of it, Woo-jin hadn’t heard where ‘Beneficial Evil’ would be broadcast.

“Is that so?”

“Well, unlike before, I’m an external PD, not a director affiliated with a company. So, the destination has become very important. That’s why I’ve had meetings with many places recently while Woo-jin was in Japan. Terrestrial, general programming, cable, and various OTT platforms [Over-the-top media service platforms].”

“…”

“The conditions were considerable even before the news of Woo-jin joining spread, but when we threw out the Woo-jin bait this time, everyone is foaming at the mouth and rushing in.”

Choi Sung-gun chimed in.

“Wasn’t that intentional?”

“That’s right. I intended it openly.”

“Even with Song Man-woo PD’s name value, including Han-ryang, it’s enough, but this time, with writer Choi Na-na, who properly blew up ‘Male Friend,’ and our Woo-jin. This is a sure thing.”

Song Man-woo PD, who chuckled softly, met Kang Woo-jin’s gaze again.

“So, the conditions attached have escalated. But it’s not like any one place is particularly high. So, ‘Beneficial Evil’ was likely to go to SBC. Han-ryang also exploded, and it’s my hometown after all.”

“I understand.”

“But Netflix contacted us.”

Song Man-woo PD, who finished speaking, pushed the transparent file he had brought to Woo-jin.

“Their conditions are similar, but the only difference is that they brought up ‘challenge’.”

“Challenge.”

“They’re going to launch ‘Beneficial Evil’ worldwide as a Netflix original, something like that?”

Wow. Worldwide? Suddenly, the scope of the conversation changed to global. Woo-jin was a bit flustered, but he pretended to be nonchalant and replied.

“Are you talking about a worldwide launch?”

“Yes. In other words, let’s challenge the global market with ‘Beneficial Evil.’ It will be available in Korea too, but the real intention is for the whole world.”

“…”

“Honestly, I was tempted. I’ve been feeling a bit stagnant lately. And I also think that ‘Beneficial Evil’ will do well overseas. There’s a lot to say, but first, the opinion of Woo-jin, the main male lead, is important.”

Choi Sung-gun opened his mouth first instead of Kang Woo-jin.

“Worldwide launch—it sounds sweet, but there are definitely risks, right?”

“That’s right. To be frank, if we throw ‘Beneficial Evil’ to a domestic broadcasting station, a certain level of success is guaranteed. First of all, Woo-jin’s ticket power is enormous. It’s half the battle.”

“Conversely, there are no such advantages overseas.”

“If it explodes, an absurd situation will unfold, but if it’s weak, the impact will be more than double.”

The production cost of ‘Beneficial Evil’ was not small. It was closer to hundreds of billions, not tens of billions. In short, if it failed, many would be screwed. Of course, the stigma that Kang Woo-jin doesn’t work overseas would be a bonus.

“Hmm—”

That was what Choi Sung-gun was worried about, and Song Man-woo PD knew it too.

“Since there are risks, I won’t force it if Woo-jin’s thoughts are different.”

Woo-jin, with a nonchalant face, asked back.

“What about writer Choi Na-na?”

“The writer’s opinion is that anywhere is fine. In fact, it’s more important for her to focus on writing right now than those things.”

“…”

“I’m going to follow Woo-jin’s thoughts. After all, Woo-jin is the one who will carry ‘Beneficial Evil.’ For reference, if we choose Netflix, it will also switch to pre-production, and Netflix personnel will be involved in the production.”

It’s a heavy burden. What should I do? Should I try to say it vaguely?

“I don’t know much about the various interests. It’s better to go with the side that has a good meaning.”

“…The side with a good meaning. What does your keen sense say, Woo-jin?”

“Not really. I don’t think it’s bad.”

“Hmm. Then, is Woo-jin’s global move in preparation?”

Kang Woo-jin answered simply.

“Not late.”

“Haha, I see.”

Bearded Song Man-woo PD stood up and extended his hand to Woo-jin.

“Let’s turn the world upside down with ‘Beneficial Evil,’ let’s run like crazy to match Woo-jin’s ambition.”

Woo-jin, who calmly took his hand.

“Another global. Why does the scope around me keep getting bigger when I’m just standing still??”

Honestly, it didn’t feel real yet.

An hour later, Kang Woo-jin’s van.

Song Man-woo PD, who had finished the meeting, left, saying he was going straight to Netflix Korea. As a result, the destination of ‘Beneficial Evil’ became clear. Soon, the news that ‘Beneficial Evil’ and Netflix are together will spread.

But there’s nothing for Woo-jin to do right now.

“I don’t know, it’ll roll on its own if I leave it alone.”

Thinking about it just gives me a headache. Acting, just keep acting in any situation, that’s the conclusion. Around this time, the van carrying Kang Woo-jin moved to the salon in Cheongdam-dong.

At the same time.

-Thud.

Kang Woo-jin suddenly entered the subspace. He had a tight schedule today, and he had a meeting early in the morning, so he wanted to take a rest. Perhaps because he was tired, Woo-jin yawned as soon as he entered the dark subspace.

He immediately dropped the facade.

“What schedule do I have today?”

While recalling Choi Sung-gun’s briefing, Woo-jin habitually moved towards the white rectangle. He didn’t have any big thoughts. He was just planning to take a quick look at the white rectangles and lie down right away.

But.

“Huh?”

Woo-jin’s body stopped. The reason was simple.

“Something—hasn’t it changed a lot?”

There was a noticeable change in the white rectangles. It started with ‘Island of the Missing’ and ‘Strange Geisha,’ which were originally S+ grade.

“-[3/Scenario(Title: Island of the Missing), SS grade]”

“-[7/Scenario(Title: Strange Sacrifice of a Stranger), SS grade]”

Both works were SS grade. That is, they each went up one grade. And this wasn’t the end.

“Why did this suddenly go up?”

The grade of the movie ‘Leech,’ which was originally SS grade, also changed.

“-[8/Scenario(Title: Leech), SSS grade]”

It was upgraded to SSS grade. It was the first grade that came out. But why? Why did the grade of ‘Leech’ suddenly go up? He had to think about it, but Kang Woo-jin didn’t have time for that.

The reason was simple.

-Swish.

His eyes had already reached the work below ‘Leech.’ It was ‘Beneficial Evil,’ which had just changed its destination to Netflix and was the same SS grade as ‘Leech.’ However, the grade was different.

“-[9/Script(Title: Beneficial Evil), SSS+ grade]”

‘Beneficial Evil’ was SSS+ grade.

End