I was Mistaken as a Monstrous Genius Actor [EN]: Chapter 100

‘Island of the Lost’ had been upgraded to S+ grade. By simple calculation, it was two grades higher than the original A+. Just because Seo Chae-eun was out and the actress was replaced, it went up two grades.

Of course, this was great news. It wouldn’t be surprising if he did a little happy dance.

But.

“······”

Kang Woo-jin, staring blankly at the white rectangle, was a bit dazed.

“S+ grade?”

It was the first time such a grade had appeared. The Private Investigator was A-grade, and The Master was S-grade. After that, there were no grades higher than S-grade. Above all, the impact of the S-grade The Master was beyond imagination. Including the extras, it had exceeded a legendary 25% viewership rating.

Therefore, Woo-jin had thought that S-grade was the highest.

But that was a hasty judgment. The bizarre subspace once again surprised Woo-jin. It was as if it was saying, ‘How dare you judge me?’ Anyway, a smile spread across Woo-jin’s face as he stared wide-eyed.

“Wow—S+ grade. What’s the next grade above that?”

But thinking about it was pointless. The subspace always defied Kang Woo-jin’s reality and went beyond common sense. For now, he should just be happy.

“This is awesome, subspace.”

At the same time, Kang Woo-jin felt quite proud. It was like, now that it was this good, he felt like he had truly saved ‘Island of the Lost’? No. It was bigger than saving it. After saving it, ‘Island of the Lost’ became much better.

Okay, let’s imagine the future for a bit.

Kang Woo-jin, whose face was now full of smiles, erased the rectangles he had listed to narrow down the suspects among the white rectangles lined up in front of him, while muttering.

“Let’s see. Since The Master exceeded 25% viewership, if the movie is S+ grade, does that mean it will easily surpass 10 million viewers?”

How far could it go, far beyond 10 million viewers? It was hard to guess, but he tried to imagine it. This much fun was okay, right? Therefore, endless possibilities flooded Kang Woo-jin’s mind.

Of course, they were all big hits.

Then, Kang Woo-jin suddenly remembered Ha Yu-ra. A top actress he had never met, who had even gone to Hollywood. He was nervous, but not as much as before. Had he somewhat adapted to this industry? With that, Kang Woo-jin forced himself to shake off his excited mood and returned to reality.

The van, still driven by Choi Sung-geon, was running on the road, and the expressionless Woo-jin looked out the window and muttered to himself.

‘I wonder what Ha Yu-ra is like—tsk, well, I’ll find out when we meet.’

On the same day, early lunch, at Oullim Film Company.

Choi Sung-geon, with his ponytail, entered the medium-sized conference room of Oullim Film Company. The conference room was quiet and still. In the center of the U-shaped table in the conference room.

“Welcome, CEO Choi.”

Director Kwon Ki-taek, with a warm demeanor, was sitting there. He stood up to greet Choi Sung-geon as soon as he saw him. He was smiling, but there was a subtle seriousness in it. After exchanging greetings with Director Kwon Ki-taek, Choi Sung-geon.

“Whew—it’s been hectic.”

He sighed as he sat down. Then, Director Kwon Ki-taek scratched his graying hair.

“It’s an emergency. For both Nana Film and the distributor. Of course, externally, it may seem like there’s no connection.”

“Internally, you have to clean up the mess.”

“Still, it’s okay, we can manage it well within next week.”

Director Kwon Ki-taek, who had been speaking softly, stroked his cheek and asked.

“So, let’s hear the whole story about this. Honestly, I’ve been curious the whole time because Woo-jin, who we didn’t expect, got involved.”

Choi Sung-geon put on a serious expression.

“Director, you remember Director Woo Hyun-gu, right? Of course.”

Director Kwon Ki-taek was silent for a moment, as if the memory wasn’t pleasant, then nodded.

“…Yes.”

“Yes. Our Woo-jin actually turned down Director Woo Hyun-gu’s offer coolly. Before he fell [referring to his downfall].”

“I know, I heard it directly from Director Woo Hyun-gu.”

“Really… is that so?”

“Yeah. What was it, he made a fuss saying that a very cheeky and rude rookie had turned him down. Then the incident happened.”

“I see. I didn’t know that.”

Choi Sung-geon, who understood what had happened in between, spoke again.

“Do you know why Woo-jin turned down Director Woo Hyun-gu?”

“Wasn’t it because he was pushing for an audition right away?”

“No. Actually, what Woo-jin said at that time was just one line. ‘I don’t feel it.’ He has something strange.”

“······Hmm?”

Choi Sung-geon began a brief explanation to Director Kwon Ki-taek, who narrowed his brow as if he didn’t understand. It wasn’t detailed, but the key points were definitely included in the briefing. From the time of Director Woo Hyun-gu to the recent incident with Seo Chae-eun. Just mentioning those two things was enough to be surprising.

And Director Kwon Ki-taek was actually a bit shocked.

“So, both with Director Woo Hyun-gu and this time, Woo-jin.”

“Yes. It’s like he has a real Midas touch [a legendary king who could turn anything to gold]. He probably had it since birth and gradually manifested it.”

“Instinct?”

“Probably. Of course, it’s not like some kind of superpower. He didn’t know everything this time either. But definitely.”

“It’s absurd. That acting skill and the eye to select people and works.”

“Yes.”

“I thought his eyes were a bit different. They seemed strangely not of this industry.”

For some reason, Director Kwon Ki-taek thought of PD Song Man-woo. The host who had spread the misunderstanding about Kang Woo-jin. Director Kwon Ki-taek recalled one of Song Man-woo’s words.

‘And that kid has a keen sense that can’t be explained in words. It’s truly amazing.’

At that time, Director Kwon Ki-taek just brushed it off, wondering what he was talking about. However, now that he looked at it, there was a connection between what he said then and the current situation.

“So—that’s what he meant.”

“Yes?”

“No, just talking to myself.”

“Ah.”

Director Kwon Ki-taek couldn’t help but smile.

‘No matter how much you peel, you can’t see the core. It’s the first time I’ve seen an actor with so many layers.’

Having confirmed everything, Director Kwon Ki-taek let out a small sigh.

“Hmm—”

He made eye contact with Choi Sung-geon across from him. He looked relaxed now.

“Anyway, I owe a great debt to Woo-jin and CEO Choi. Thank you, I mean it.”

As if he had been waiting for those words, Choi Sung-geon leaned forward slightly.

“Director, it’s better to call it a blessing than a debt.”

“Haha, that’s right. Reality is better than illusion. I don’t like just glossing over things. If you owe a debt, you have to repay it. We’re going to be working together for a long time. Okay, tell me what you have in mind.”

The atmosphere had shifted to a negotiation. Choi Sung-geon opened the discussion.

“First, I’d like to adjust Woo-jin’s appearance fee.”

“An increase in appearance fee?”

“Yes. You can decide the amount, Director.”

“As much as the debt is worth—”

Director Kwon Ki-taek, who was stroking his chin, didn’t think for long.

“How about a running guarantee?”

Running guarantee. Currently, Woo-jin’s contract only had an appearance fee, not a running guarantee clause.

“Let’s add 100 won per running [referring to each ticket sold].”

100 won per running might seem small, but it wasn’t at all. There were additional things like the break-even point and sharing with the agency, but in simple calculation, it was 100 won per viewer, so 100 million for 1 million viewers, and 1 billion for 10 million viewers.

And the appearance fee was separate.

Moreover, these conditions were only attached to A-grade to S-grade actors.

Recently, there were two methods in top actor contracts in the film industry. Running guarantee and profit percentage. The percentage was a concept of receiving about 6-7% of the profit. In other words, Kang Woo-jin was given conditions equivalent to a top actor.

It was truly a special case and special treatment.

However, the running guarantee was also a double-edged sword. If the movie did poorly, he wouldn’t be able to get any money other than the appearance fee. Nevertheless, Choi Sung-geon thought it was a good offer.

‘Since Woo-jin chose ‘Island of the Lost’ himself, it will at least be average, and there are top actors like Director Kwon Ki-taek. The running will be sweeter than the appearance fee increase.’

But Choi Sung-geon wasn’t going to end it there.

“That’s good, but Director. Since running is more about the future, please add one option.”

“Option?”

“Yes. It would be nice if you could get Woo-jin a good car.”

As soon as he heard the option, Director Kwon Ki-taek laughed loudly.

“Haha, okay. Let’s add an option for ‘a good car’ to the contract.”

It was the same face as if he had saved a movie that was about to die. At this point, Director Kwon Ki-taek, whose laughter had subsided, changed the subject.

“Ah—I also had something to say to CEO Choi.”

“Yes, please speak, Director.”

“This time, the change to Ha Yu-ra was unexpected. That—originally, we had given Ha Yu-ra a cameo. But now that spot is vacant. So, I heard that Hye-yeon recently finished filming The Master?”

Choi Sung-geon understood what he meant right away. To be exact.

‘Yes, this is it.’

Choi Sung-geon nodded, expecting the situation.

“Yes, I understand what you mean. I’ll check with Hye-yeon.”

Overall, it was a very successful deal for BW Entertainment.

Later.

Time began to melt quickly. It was because so many things were happening, and there were many shocking events. First, Seo Chae-eun, who had been silent yesterday and today, moved.

『[Breaking News] ‘Seo Chae-eun,’ who had been silent, delivers her position through her agency’s official website』

She officially announced her position through her agency around night time. However, it wasn’t interesting. As always, there were many excuses that were like water diluted with water [meaning weak and unconvincing].

But ‘Power Patch’ [likely a media outlet] didn’t let it go.

They hit her with a triple blow. This time, it was an article with various pieces of evidence and witnesses. Therefore, around the 30th, the last day of June.

『[Official] ‘Seo Chae-eun,’ suspected of habitual propofol use, will be summoned by the police for investigation within a few days』

In the end, the police and prosecution moved. They were planning to search Seo Chae-eun’s house and summon her for investigation. The results would take a few days to come out, but even this much was enough.

『Everything related to ‘Seo Chae-eun’ is on hold, how much are the penalties from advertisements to movies?』

It wouldn’t be strange to say that Seo Chae-eun’s acting career was over.

Around this time, the OST song for ‘Male Friend’ was delivered to Kang Woo-jin. The guide songs with completed lyrics and music. Of course, it was Director Shin Dong-chun who passed it on.

“Woo-jin, I know you’re busy, but try to get familiar with it as much as possible. We’re going to record this week, but if it’s too hard, you can do it later, so don’t feel pressured.”

There were a total of two songs that were passed to Kang Woo-jin. One was a solo, and the other was a duet. Woo-jin’s review was simple.

‘It’s so good?? It sticks to my ears.’

It was the moment his favorite song changed. Kang Woo-jin kept listening to and humming the guide-recorded songs in between his schedules. It was to get familiar with the songs.

That’s how a few days passed.

The noisy June ended, and July, when many things would happen, began. The weather was hot summer. From the first day of July, a pleasant choice awaited Kang Woo-jin.

“Woo-jin, have you chosen the car you’ll get as an option, besides the running guarantee we talked about?”

“Ah—I’m in the process of choosing.”

“Choose comfortably, comfortably. It doesn’t matter if it’s domestic or foreign. Well, wouldn’t a foreign car be better if possible?”

The first opportunity to own a car in his life. And it was a car that someone else was buying, not with his own money. It was something he was receiving, but still, Woo-jin was doing a shoulder dance inside [meaning he was very happy].

‘Just a few months ago, I thought I’d be a pedestrian for the rest of my life, but suddenly a foreign car?’

He never thought this day would come. His life was gradually becoming more affluent. Anyway, Woo-jin chose a B brand foreign car that he thought was okay, not his dream car, but at a reasonable price. The purchase was done by BW Entertainment first, and Oullim Film Company would pay later.

Later, on Thursday, July 2nd.

Kang Woo-jin’s schedule for the 2nd was one thing from morning to late afternoon. It was the official recording of the OST for ‘Male Friend’. Today was just the vocal recording. Therefore, the ‘Male Friend’ team all gathered at the studio. Of course, the handling was done by Director Shin Dong-chun and the music director. General Director Kim So-hyang and writer Choi Na-na were more like the audience.

Since it was an official recording, everyone’s expression was serious.

And.

—Swish.

The first vocal recording started with Kang Woo-jin. Thanks to that, Woo-jin, who was wearing a hat pulled down low, entered the booth. The scene was the same as when they tested it. But his mindset was different from before.

‘Hoo—hoo, it’s okay. I’m not that nervous. Don’t think about doing it too perfectly, just relax.’

It was his first OST. If he did this, a song with Kang Woo-jin’s vocals would be released into the world. Woo-jin, with a serious face, tried to calm his pounding heart. The subtle trembling of his whole body was caught faster than he thought. It was probably because of his repeated acting.

Soon.

“Ah, Woo-jin? Can you hear me well?”

“Yes. I can hear you well.”

The music director’s cue signal was heard through the headphones Woo-jin was wearing.

“Since it’s the first time, we’ll go all the way without stopping. It’s okay if you get the lyrics wrong, just feel like you’re singing to the end, okay?”

“Yes.”

The music director, who nodded, operated the equipment, and Kang Woo-jin’s solo song started playing.

—♬♪

It was familiar. It wasn’t unfamiliar. Perhaps because he had listened to it and hummed it often, the song was familiar to Woo-jin. Then, looking at the lyrics on his phone, he opened his mouth in time. It started softly. But gradually, he put more power into it.

At this point, the music director outside the booth, who was shaking his head to the rhythm, said to Director Shin Dong-chun.

“He’s good? Usually, during the first recording, they stumble from the intro, but Woo-jin went in cleanly and his emotions are good.”

“Hmm, this song was definitely perfect for Woo-jin’s voice. It feels very different from the guide.”

“If it’s this clean from the beginning, then we won’t have to struggle today?”

The two were calmly analyzing Kang Woo-jin’s vocals.

On the other hand, Kim So-hyang, writer Choi Na-na, and about a dozen others were staring intently at Kang Woo-jin in the booth. Hwa-rin even closed her eyes. The funny thing was that no one opened their mouths.

They were just busy listening to Kang Woo-jin’s vocals.

Gradually, Woo-jin’s vocals reached their peak. Kang Woo-jin’s high notes echoed passionately throughout the studio.

—♬♪

Choi Sung-geon, with his ponytail, in a corner of the studio, made eye contact with a woman standing next to him. A woman wearing horn-rimmed glasses. It was an unfamiliar face. Choi Sung-geon asked her quietly.

“What do you think?”

Then, the woman with horn-rimmed glasses, with her eyes fixed on Kang Woo-jin in the booth, only opened her mouth.

“······It’ll work, definitely. Honestly, I’m a bit surprised? I didn’t know he could sing so well. Both acting and singing, is there anything Kang Woo-jin can’t do?”

“Do you think he could stand out in musicals?”

“Yes. With a little polishing.”

The woman was a famous casting director in the musical field.

At the same time, in Tokyo, Japan. At ‘Toei’ Film Company.

About six people gathered in a somewhat static meeting room, and Japanese was heard. Among them, a man with a large nose was a familiar face. It was the Japanese master director, Kyohtaro. Around him were the film company staff.

In front of Director Kyohtaro, a man was sitting upright.

“It’s an honor, Director.”

The man with long hair, wearing a headband, was of course an actor. His name was ‘Mana Kosaku’. He was a member of a famous Japanese band and had risen to the top as an actor. With a strong face, he was famous as a character actor in Japan.

Soon, Director Kyohtaro smiled and said to Mana Kosaku.

“I was the one who really wanted to see Mana-san. Thank you for meeting me.”

“No way! It’s okay.”

“Hmm, you’ve heard the explanation through the company, right? The work I’m preparing this time is based on a book by writer Takikawa Akari.”

“Yes. I’ve heard.”

Kosaku, who answered, was impressed inside.

‘Director Kyohtaro and writer Akari’s original work. These two names alone are enough reason to do this work.’

At this time, Director Kyohtaro received a bundle of papers from a staff member next to him. Director Kyohtaro pushed it to Kosaku across from him.

“One actor has already been cast. A Korean actor.”

Suddenly, a Korean actor? Kosaku’s eyes widened.

“…A Korean actor? If it’s a top actor, can you tell me who it is?”

“No. A rookie. It’s still too early to reveal the name.”

“······?”

Kosaku’s widened eyes were filled with question marks. Not a top actor, but a rookie? On the other hand, the calm Director Kyohtaro gestured for him to look at the bundle of papers he had handed over.

“First, check the synopsis before the scenario.”

“…Ah—yes, I understand.”

Kosaku lowered his gaze in a daze. He first checked the title.

—’The Bizarre Sacrifice of a Stranger’

It was a familiar title. It was the same as the title of a best-selling book. However, Kosaku, who had not read the original book, focused on the synopsis.

Several words caught his eye.

Bullying, Korean-Japanese, trap, design, murder, deduction, etc. Then, Kosaku, who was immersed in the synopsis, muttered to himself.

‘A revenge drama.’

It was also a merciless revenge drama.

End