I was Mistaken as a Monstrous Genius Actor [EN]: Chapter 105

An unexpected hidden threat. Hwa-rin, standing in front of the reading room door, was clearly flustered, her heart pounding wildly.

‘Seeing him up close is beyond imagination…’

It was about Kang Woo-jin’s acting. When she first joined ‘Male Friend,’ Hwa-rin was simply full of anticipation. She was excited to work on the same project as someone she admired as a fan, not just as a fellow actor or colleague.

Of course, that was how she felt until yesterday.

But that mindset completely changed in the reading room. Woo-jin’s destructive power in portraying ‘Han In-ho’ right in front of her was immense.

‘I expected it, but I didn’t think I’d crumble in just a few seconds.’

Her admiration began with his acting, and having watched Kang Woo-jin’s performances, Hwa-rin had come prepared. But she was endlessly defeated by just one look. Seriously, how could anyone withstand that melodramatic gaze, even as a successful fan? Moreover, Woo-jin’s acting went beyond vivid.

‘I swear, for a moment, the scenery around me looked like a flower festival.’

Right now, Hwa-rin wasn’t a top singer or actress at the peak of her popularity, but just a fragile girl who had been ‘hit by a fan accident.’ It was her first time experiencing this since her debut in the entertainment industry, and she didn’t know what to do. She was unfamiliar with ‘fangirling,’ and ‘becoming a successful fan’ had come too quickly.

Then, Hwa-rin.

-Swish.

She brushed her long hair back while lightly patting her pounding chest.

‘If one look can do this to me, what about the kiss scene… is it even possible?’

The question was directed at herself. Moreover, it wasn’t just any kiss scene, but a deep one. Her feelings now were completely different from when she heard Director Shin Dong-chun’s explanation earlier. The difficulty had increased by several levels.

Perhaps that’s why Hwa-rin had a moment of weakness.

‘Would it be okay to subtly suggest going easy on the day of filming?’

But she quickly changed her mind.

‘No, I need to be stronger, especially now.’

Hwa-rin had gone through numerous hardships since her debut as a girl group member. If there was one thing she had learned in that environment, it was that the more afraid you are, the more fiercely you have to confront it.

Besides.

‘I hate more than death to cause any harm to Woo-jin.’

Hwa-rin only wanted to show Kang Woo-jin her best side. She didn’t like being weak either. Yes, she could do it. She was an actress too. It would be tough, but she would go all out. Hwa-rin diligently gathered the shattered pieces of her heart.

That’s when it happened.

-Screech.

The closed glass door of the reading room opened smoothly, slightly pushing Hwa-rin’s back. Startled, Hwa-rin turned around. She gasped.

‘Ah.’

Kang Woo-jin came out with a cold expression. Soon, Hwa-rin began to manage her expression, and Woo-jin spoke to her in a low voice.

‘I’m sorry, I didn’t know you were there.’

‘…No. It’s okay, I was just standing here like an idiot.’

‘But you said you were going to the bathroom.’

‘Huh? Me? Ah! Yes, yes. That’s right. I went. I got a call for a moment.’

Hwa-rin tried her best to act nonchalant. Kang Woo-jin, who didn’t notice this, looked at Hwa-rin quietly and tilted his head inwardly.

‘Is she okay? Her cheeks seem a bit flushed.’

Her condition was strange. However, he didn’t think too deeply about it. He just figured that was how it was. Woo-jin nodded slightly and started to walk away.

‘I’m going to the bathroom too.’

Suddenly, Hwa-rin grabbed Kang Woo-jin’s short sleeve.

‘Woo-jin.’

What is it? Woo-jin turned his head, and Hwa-rin, who had come quite close, looked up at Kang Woo-jin. The distance between her and Woo-jin was about two fists. The height difference between the two was just right. A moment of silence. At this moment, Kang Woo-jin’s instincts rose again.

‘Wow, she’s amazing, she’s really damn pretty.’

Come to think of it, it was the first time Woo-jin had seen Hwa-rin this close. Hwa-rin had clear skin, and her eyes, nose, and mouth were naturally arranged, and the mole under her eye exuded a subtle charm. For a moment, Kang Woo-jin was unconsciously captivated by Hwa-rin’s visuals.

Ah, no. Instinct, you bastard, get lost.

Woo-jin, who almost smiled, barely regained his composure. Then, he asked Hwa-rin, who was looking up at him, sternly.

‘…I’m sorry, but what are you doing?’

‘Checking the height difference.’

‘Height difference?’

At that moment, Hwa-rin, who had taken a step back, changed her expression to a determined one, like a general before a battle.

‘Yes. I’m checking the height to prepare for the scene where I pounce… no, the revised scene.’

‘If that’s the case, you can check more.’

‘Can I just raise my arms slightly? Like a rehearsal.’

Of course, as much as you want. Woo-jin, who was inwardly shouting ‘of course’ excessively, replied cynically on the outside.

‘As you wish.’

‘Ah, okay.’

Hwa-rin, who hesitated slightly, slowly raised her arms towards Kang Woo-jin’s face. But she quickly retracted her arms, which had reached about her ears. Her heart was pounding again.

‘Okay, yeah. I think it’s done.’

Soon, she rushed into the reading room without any further explanation. Others might think it was because she was uncomfortable.

‘She must have been embarrassed.’

Kang Woo-jin, who already knew the secret, just found Hwa-rin cute. When would she tell him?

‘I’m getting this kind of treatment in my life. If I tell the guys, they’ll be so jealous they’ll die, right?’

Kang Woo-jin, who was thinking of his close friends, suppressed his chuckling and headed to the bathroom.

Several minutes later.

The script reading resumed. Fortunately, Hwa-rin didn’t have to rush to the bathroom. However, throughout the reading, she tried her best to avoid the gaze of Kang Woo-jin, or rather, Han In-ho, across from her.

She was just reciting her lines.

However, there were no major issues with the emotions or acting in her lines, and Kang Woo-jin also played Han In-ho without any fuss.

The reading became more intense.

10 minutes, 15 minutes, 30 minutes. As time passed, the atmosphere grew thicker, and the actors of ‘Male Friend’ became increasingly captivated by Kang Woo-jin’s acting. Seeing the emotions close to Han In-ho’s ending in the early part only fueled their admiration.

‘Wow, he’s just playing with emotions.’

‘He’s doing that level of acting so effortlessly, it’s insane.’

‘Will it get even more intense when we start filming?’

The emotions he showed were so free and natural.

From the present to the past and back to the present. The emotional lines in the script were jumbled, but there was nothing hindering Woo-jin’s expression. It really felt like the entire scene was moving back and forth between the past and the present.

Perhaps that’s why?

‘Thank you for your hard work.’

When Director Shin Dong-chun announced the end of the reading, the reading room, filled with many people, erupted in loud applause.

-Clap clap clap clap clap clap!

Several reporters who had watched the entire reading expressed their admiration in hushed tones.

‘Wow, that was amazing? Honestly, even though it’s a project, I came thinking it was just a one-act play, but even just looking at it, this isn’t one-act quality, is it?’

‘I’m saying the same thing, Kang Woo-jin isn’t popular for no reason. And with Hwa-rin added, oh my, it’s a shame this is only four episodes.’

‘The script is good, and the actors are beyond words. Am I the only one excited about this?’

And.

‘Okay, everyone, thank you for your hard work. The reading went on longer than expected. There were also sudden script revisions, but I’m very grateful to the actors for handling them well, and I’ll be informing you individually later.’

Director Shin Dong-chun, at the head of the table, recited a brief schedule for ‘Male Friend.’

‘The entire filming will take about a month. Of course, it could be longer. Also, we’ve tentatively set the first day of filming for around July 20th.’

The main filming for ‘Male Friend’ was about ten days away.

After that.

The news of the ‘Male Friend’ script reading began to appear on the internet from Saturday, the 11th, the next day. The source was the reporters who had participated in the reading. The speed at which it was released was fast, and the amount was large. It was clear that Netflix was putting its weight behind it.

『Kang Woo-jin x Hwa-rin ‘Male Friend,’ First Step Taken… Vivid Script Reading Scene/Photos』

『[Star Talk] ‘Monster Rookie’ Kang Woo-jin’s Passionate Performance at ‘Male Friend’ Script Reading/Photos』

The content included glimpses of the entire reading, but most of it focused on the leads. This was inevitable. The script reading articles themselves were heavily promotional.

『Netflix One-Act Project ‘Male Friend,’ Kang Woo-jin and Hwa-rin Together… Do They Look Good Together?』

Therefore, the articles prominently featured Kang Woo-jin and Hwa-rin. Solo shots and two-shots. Kang Woo-jin, who saw this, didn’t show it much, but he was deeply moved inside.

‘Wow, damn. Looking at it like this, it really feels like I’m a lead? Ah, I am the lead, right?’

When he was a ‘Hanryang’ [a character from his previous drama], he was a hidden villain, so these kinds of articles were never seen. It was practically the first time, and in the various articles, Kang Woo-jin exuded the aura of a lead. The added concept helped.

『[Star Photo] Kang Woo-jin Immersed in ‘Male Friend’ Script Reading with a Serious Expression, He’s Handsome Even When Natural/Photos』

The news of ‘Male Friend’ was hotly debated from Saturday to Sunday. Netflix’s push was a factor, but the popularity of Kang Woo-jin and Hwa-rin was a big help. Of course, Hwa-rin’s fandom was strong, but Woo-jin’s momentum, with several issues currently trailing behind him, was stronger.

Therefore, the public’s expectations couldn’t help but follow.

-ㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠFinally!!

-Oh, Kang Woo-jin and Hwa-rin look surprisingly good together?ㅋㅋㅋㅋI’m kind of looking forward to itㅋㅋㅋㅋ

-Manager Park is crazy good

-Honestly… I can’t really imagine Kang Woo-jin in a rom-com… It feels like he’d be loving and then suddenly give a cold lookㅋㅋㅋㅋ

-↑I think Kang Woo-jin would be great in a rom-com?? He’s good at acting, so I think I’d be sucked into anything

-It’s just a one-act play anywayㅋㅋㅋㅋIt looks like it’ll just smell like a rom-com and then end

-Kang Woo-jin… his cold beauty is insane… I want to see it soon

-Honestly, are Hwa-rin and Kang Woo-jin on the same level? It’s a ridiculous casting

-But I thought Kang Woo-jin would keep going with the villain vibe, but he’s doing a big role driftㅋㅋㅋㅋIf he succeeds here, he’ll do even better

-The characteristic of this type of work: they get close and then it ends

-Something about Kang Woo-jin is strangely eye-catching… I heard he’s amazing in person… My friend who went to a fan signing told me

-So when is it coming out? Just release it now

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The collaboration between the monster rookie Kang Woo-jin and ‘Elani’ Hwa-rin. When this novel combination of ‘Male Friend’ was first announced, it was noisy, but once the script reading was announced, the public became overly impatient.

Of course, the industry’s interest also increased.

Meanwhile.

『[Issue Check] Kang Woo-jin’s Explosive Rise, Surpasses 1 Million SNS Followers!』

On Kang Woo-jin’s SNS, which recently surpassed 1 million followers, and in the numerous YouTube videos he was featured in, Japanese comments were continuously increasing.

-I had a hard time finding his SNS, but Kang Woo-jin doesn’t have a YouTube channel. It’s a shame.

From the hits to the recently uploaded videos and ‘Sports Day,’ all the videos that appeared when you searched ‘Kang Woo-jin’ in the search bar.

-Kang Woo-jin! I’m cheering for you from Japan! If you don’t have a YouTube channel, please upload even short videos on SNS!

It felt almost like a reverse run. Koreans were also puzzled by the sudden increase in Japanese comments.

-Why are Japanese comments suddenly being updated here????

-It’s because ‘Hanryang’ blew up in Japan??

-Huh? Why did ‘Hanryang’ blow up in Japan?

-‘Hanryang’ is currently number 1 on Netflix in Japan

The strange trend ended on the weekend, and a new weekday dawned. Monday, the 13th.

-Swish.

Kang Woo-jin, who left his house early in the morning, stood in front of the elevator. He was wearing a hat, as if he was going straight to the salon, and he picked up his phone while waiting for the elevator. He accessed his SNS.

Checking SNS had recently become one of Kang Woo-jin’s daily routines.

‘Oh, there are a lot of comments.’

The post he tapped on was the ‘Male Friend’ script reading from yesterday. It was a two-shot with Hwa-rin that Choi Sung-gun had taken. But.

‘Hmm?’

Woo-jin, who was happily checking the comments, narrowed his brow slightly. The reason was simple.

-Where is this loser rubbing shoulders with Hwa-rin? Get your face out of the way

He had found some hate comments. It was probably a hardcore fan of Hwa-rin. It was the first time Woo-jin had seen them so openly. But Kang Woo-jin reacted very nonchalantly.

In times like this, his true nature as an ordinary citizen was helpful.

‘What are they saying, these idiots.’

He wasn’t affected at all.

Around the afternoon of the same day.

Kang Woo-jin, who had finished several schedules, including various interviews and a meeting, and his team got into the van waiting in the parking lot.

-Click!

Choi Sung-gun was sitting in the passenger seat, waiting. He had been away for a while in the morning due to company matters, so Woo-jin greeted him immediately in a low voice.

‘CEO, you’re here.’

Choi Sung-gun, who showed a slightly tired smile, waved his hand.

‘Yeah, yeah, I took a taxi. Sorry, sorry. Nothing happened, right?’

‘No. Nothing happened.’

‘Okay, Su-hwan, let’s go. We’re a bit late.’

‘Yes, sir!’

Soon, the van started moving. At the same time, Choi Sung-gun, who had opened his diary, recited the next schedule.

‘As you know, we’re going straight to the ‘Hanryang’ wrap-up party. Hye-yeon will be coming too. Did you contact her?’

‘Yes.’

The wrap-up party for ‘Profiler Hanryang.’ The entire production team, including PD Song Man-woo and writer Park Eun-mi, all the actors such as Ryu Jung-min and Hong Hye-yeon, and even the invited reporters. It was called a wrap-up party, but it was actually a promotional event aimed at the aftermath.

Especially since ‘Hanryang’ was a super popular drama, it was an even more important schedule.

Even so, Kang Woo-jin was somewhat looking forward to it. It was a chance to meet the ‘Hanryang’ crew after a long time. He had grown fond of them, and Kang Woo-jin was the first to leave among them.

‘I did see Jung-min last time. Ah, that’s right. Since it’s a wrap-up party, does that mean the other villains will be there too?’

As Woo-jin’s curiosity rose, Choi Sung-gun smiled and spoke to him.

‘By the way, Woo-jin. Did you see writer Park at the ‘Male Friend’ script reading?’

‘Ah, yes. She left quickly.’

‘Yeah. That’s right. Just by looking at her, it seems like she’s thinking of you for her next project. What do you think?’

‘It’s an honor. But I don’t know.’

‘PD Song also called earlier, and he seemed like he had something to say to you?’

‘Is that so?’

‘It feels like he’s going to drop some hints. Woo-jin, I’ll take care of it, but you should also manage these big shots well. It’s amazing for a rookie to have these kinds of people attached to his network.’

Then, Choi Sung-gun, who had lowered his thumb that he had raised in praise.

‘And Woo-jin.’

‘Yes, CEO.’

He suddenly changed the subject.

‘It’s been a bit delayed because we’ve been busy. But we’re going to open your YouTube channel now. Within this week. The timing is perfect.’

‘Ah.’

‘Now, we can’t ignore YouTube, and it’s a market where we can definitely aim for a surge in recognition. But we shouldn’t give off too serious of an image. Just make it feel like a hobby. Instead, you can give off a shocking twist, right?’

It seemed like he already had a plan.

‘How about using your vocals as the theme, with foreign languages mixed in, of course?’