I was Mistaken as a Monstrous Genius Actor [EN]: Chapter 106

My vocals? And adding my foreign languages to it? After hearing a brief explanation, Kang Woo-jin didn’t immediately grasp it.

‘So, using my vocals means making my singing the theme, right?’

It was natural for him, as he still had much to learn about the entertainment industry. From the start, it was difficult for Woo-jin to easily digest the ideas of their capable CEO. On the other hand, Han Ye-jung, sitting next to Kang Woo-jin, seemed to understand immediately, likely due to her experience.

“Ah, like that? I think it’s a good idea.”

Choi Sung-gun in the passenger seat chuckled.

“Right? Woo-jin’s main thing is acting, so we can’t make it look secondary. We need to elevate its value, so showing it on YouTube is out.”

“I completely agree with that.”

Exclusion. Don’t just talk among yourselves, include me too. Although he was still in the dark, Kang Woo-jin put on a brazen face. Pretending to understand, more or less. He needed to add a bit of bravado too.

Woo-jin, with his thick skin, spoke in a low voice.

“I get the gist.”

“Haha, what do you think?”

“…I’ll need to hear more details about the CEO’s intentions before I can say for sure.”

“Oh, is that so? Then let’s see-”

Okay, the atmosphere shifted very naturally. Choi Sung-gun, who was re-tying his ponytail and choosing his words, spoke again at that moment.

“I mentioned the musical thing before, regarding your singing ability.”

“Yes, I remember.”

“Ah. I’m just asking to be sure. Woo-jin, have you ever… done a musical?”

Would he have? Woo-jin hadn’t even seen a musical in his entire life.

“No.”

“Right, right? I was just asking in case you suddenly dropped another bomb. Anyway, a musical would be perfect for your vocals and acting, but I’m not really an expert in musicals. So, when you recorded the OST [Original Soundtrack] last time, I called in a contact from the musical industry to show them.”

“…Is that so?”

He had no idea. Kang Woo-jin maintained a stoic expression, but he was deeply impressed by Choi Sung-gun’s drive. Regardless, Choi Sung-gun continued.

“Yeah. The result was that it would definitely work.”

“That’s a relief.”

“Right. But the problem is that it takes quite a bit of time. And as you know, the musical market is completely different.”

In other words, the process of Woo-jin joining a musical and the conditions he would need to meet would take up time.

“Well, we can think about that later, but it would be a waste to let your vocals rot just for musicals, right? Your other abilities besides your vocals and acting are like a motor on a boat.”

“A motor on a boat.”

“Yeah. You’re not just dealing with water coming in, but a waterfall pouring down, and while others are just rowing, you can use a motor.”

Han Ye-jung, who was looking at a styling book in the next seat, coldly chimed in.

“True. It’s not like he’s just a bit better at singing than the average person, Woo-jin oppa’s vocals are seriously amazing.”

Jang Su-hwan, who was driving, also joined in.

“Haha! That’s right! Even Hwa-rin was captivated by it!”

Woo-jin was slightly embarrassed by the sudden praise, but he tried to remain indifferent. Choi Sung-gun, holding up his phone and shaking it at Kang Woo-jin, continued.

“So, let’s open a YouTube channel with your vocals as the theme. But instead of making you a full-on YouTuber singer, it would be better to go with a light approach, like covering popular songs, right?”

“Song covers – I’ve seen them.”

“Right, they’re common these days. But considering the timing, it would be appropriate to take advantage of the Korean Wave [Hallyu] that’s sweeping overseas, right? So, let’s start with K-pop covers.”

Here, Choi Sung-gun’s smile deepened as he opened YouTube on his phone.

“However, as you said, Woo-jin, there are already quite a few cover channels that sing K-pop or anything else in their own style. There’s no differentiation. Hmm – your popularity is already soaring, so you might get a lot of attention at first. But in my opinion, it’s a bit lacking. It definitely won’t last long. It’ll just be a flash in the pan. Because it’s a concept.”

“……”

“So, what should we do? How about singing K-pop in English or Japanese versions? That would be a bit novel, right?”

“Ah.”

“This is something you couldn’t even think about if your foreign language skills were ambiguous, but you’re practically a native speaker, right? To make this work, you need high recognition, singer-level vocals, native-level foreign language skills, and a decent appearance. You have it all, right? It’s more than rare enough.”

After hearing the explanation, Kang Woo-jin inwardly agreed.

‘Not bad? Something – uh, a grand plan.’

Kang Woo-jin voiced it directly.

“…I think it’s good.”

“Really? Haha. You like it? In my plan, if this takes off, you can show off your vocal skills and foreign language skills, and we can expect an influx of overseas fans from English-speaking and Japanese regions who are into the Korean Wave. Of course, domestic fans too. The impact might be even bigger.”

It meant he could show off a proper twist.

“If it goes well, we can catch several rabbits at once, not just one. Later, when the channel grows, we can invite guests, in a collaboration format. For example, Hwa-rin.”

It was just a plan for now, but Woo-jin began to feel a strong sense of anticipation. In the past, YouTube was just something to endure the boredom of the ‘hell train,’ but now, there was a possibility of dominating that vast market.

‘Hehe, life is really becoming fantastic.’

Choi Sung-gun, who had lowered the phone he was holding, looked at Kang Woo-jin and asked.

“So, what do you say? Call?”

Woo-jin, forcing down his excited mood, replied calmly.

“Yes, call. It sounds fun.”

“Me too.”

The new plan was established in an instant.

“Okay – then I’ll prepare the arrangement, lyrics, studio, etc., as quickly as possible.”

Choi Sung-gun wrote something in his diary and gave his closing remarks.

“You’re going to be even busier than now. Can you handle it?”

Would he really die? Woo-jin’s answer was simple.

“Yes. It’s enough.”

Later.

It was late afternoon when Kang Woo-jin arrived at the wrap-up party for ‘Profiler Han-ryang.’ The location was a large Korean BBQ restaurant in Seoul. It was located on the outskirts, not in the city center, and when Woo-jin arrived, reporters were already stationed in front of the restaurant.

“Kang Woo-jin!”

“You’ve been in a great mood since Han-ryang, how do you feel?!!”

“Woo-jin! Over here! Please look this way!”

“Do you contact Director Kwon Ki-taek often?!!”

“Please wave your hand once!”

“The information about PD [Production Director] Yoon Byung-sun’s variety show hasn’t been fully released yet, do you know who else has been cast besides you?!!”

The reporters’ rush was like that of wild beasts. The Han-ryang staff were trying to stop them, but their passion was excessive. The flashing lights were the same.

-Flash! Flash! Flash!

Woo-jin, who was calmly passing through the crowd, waved his hand slightly as Choi Sung-gun had advised.

‘Eye blinding! I can’t see! Ah – gotta manage my expression, manage my expression.’

He tried to bring out his most aloof sophistication. But he was so out of it that he even stumbled in the middle. Luckily, no one noticed.

He finally managed to enter the BBQ restaurant.

Inside, most of the staff and actors from Han-ryang were already present. Soon, the staff greeted Woo-jin.

“Woo-jin is here!!”

“Oh my, Kang Star has arrived!”

“Hahaha, it’s been a while! You’re really doing well these days??”

“That’s right! When I turn on the internet, all I see are articles about Woo-jin!”

They were all loud, probably after having a drink or two. But unlike them, Woo-jin had to be cold.

“Hello, thank you.”

Kang Woo-jin gave a moderate greeting. Then, the director of photography offered him a drink.

“You must have had a hard time with the reporters outside, right? Come on, let’s have a drink! A refreshing one!”

“No, I’m not good with alcohol.”

“Huh? You said that at the dinner party last time too. Woo-jin, are you originally bad at drinking?”

That’s not true. He loved alcohol. Before becoming an actor, he used to enjoy drinking. But he couldn’t do that now.

‘If I get drunk, I’ll mess everything up. Hold it in, hold it in. Ha – still, I kinda want a drink.’

If he got even a little drunk, the real Kang Woo-jin would come out. Anyway, Woo-jin was guided to the area where the actors were gathered. Everyone was there, from Ryu Jung-min to Hong Hye-yeon.

The first to shout was the hearty Jang Tae-san.

“Oh! The superstar has arrived! Sit down, sit down.”

Next was Ryu Jung-min, who had taken out his perm.

“You’re here? I saw the ‘Male Friend’ article. When does filming start?”

As Woo-jin answered, he let out a long sigh inwardly, looking at Ryu Jung-min’s changed hairstyle.

‘He was already handsome with the perm, but without it, he’s on another level. Crazy visuals.’

The wrap-up party continued noisily.

The momentum of Han-ryang was still soaring, both during the broadcast and now after it ended, so the atmosphere was more like a party. At this time, Hong Hye-yeon, who had tied her long hair back and whose face was slightly flushed from the alcohol, moved close to Woo-jin. A mix of fragrance and a slight smell of alcohol wafted over. Woo-jin tensed up slightly, and Hong Hye-yeon whispered.

“How is it with Hwa-rin?”

“What are you asking about?”

“Like, have you become close, or do you keep in touch?”

“It’s just so-so. We haven’t really become close.”

“You really see her like a stone. But still, it’s Hwa-rin. There are a lot of people who cling to her. Not just fans, but in this industry.”

What was she talking about? Then, Woo-jin suddenly remembered something.

“Ah, where’s Dae-young? Didn’t he come?”

“He’s here. Over there.”

Hong Hye-yeon turned her body and pointed to the back. A huge monster was devouring meat and alcohol. A meat vacuum cleaner.

‘You idiot, breathe while you eat. You’re going to die from eating too much meat.’

Then, Kim Dae-young made eye contact with Kang Woo-jin and waved his big hand. Fortunately, he seemed to have adapted well to this industry. At this moment.

“Woo-jin.”

Someone called out to Kang Woo-jin. It was PD Song Man-woo, with his beard. The drama filming was over, but he looked like he had darker circles under his eyes.

“Let’s talk for a moment.”

“Ah – yes, PD.”

The two got up from their seats and walked towards the restroom, and Park Eun-mi, the writer, watched them with narrowed eyes from her seat. Then, Song Man-woo PD, standing in the relatively quiet hallway near the restroom, suddenly made a bombshell statement.

“I’m going to quit SBC now. I’ve already submitted my resignation.”

Suddenly? Woo-jin was slightly surprised, but he calmly replied.

“Is that so?”

“Yeah. I’m busy with the follow-up schedule for Han-ryang right now, but as soon as I get these things sorted out, I’m going to go independent. So, I was wondering if you could look at a script if I send it to you? I’ll be the head of an outsourced production company then, not a member of the broadcasting station.”

“Are you going to direct too?”

“I’m only going to direct. I’m just a figurehead.”

“If you send it, I’ll read it.”

“Haha, thank you. By then, your value will be skyrocketing. You’ll be treated like a top star.”

Song Man-woo PD, who had been laughing heartily, suddenly became serious.

“And also, if I’m having trouble picking a script, can I get some help? It’s my first directorial work after going independent, so it would be a bit awkward if it failed. Can I borrow the Kang Totem? Even just a light hint would be fine.”

Song Man-woo PD, a huge figure in the drama industry, was already a devout believer in the Kang Woo-jin religion. This guy’s delusion was deeply rooted. Well, it didn’t really matter. Woo-jin had already accepted the delusions. More than anything, Song Man-woo PD was the starting point and the number one contributor to Woo-jin’s growth. He also played a big role as the host of the epidemic.

Here, Kang Woo-jin recalled Choi Sung-gun’s teachings.

‘Give and take, and manage connections with big shots.’

And if there was a blockbuster project involved, Kang Woo-jin was also welcome.

“If I can be of help, I’d be happy to.”

Song Man-woo PD’s smile deepened, having received the promise of the Kang Totem’s grace.

“Haha, I couldn’t be more reassured.”

About a week later, at a high school in Seoul.

Late morning. It was a high school in the Jongno-gu area. It was large at a glance. And the overall exterior was picturesque. It was like, the interior design was different from a typical high school.

What stood out immediately was nature.

The entire school felt like it was mixed in with nature. There were many different kinds of trees. What about the central garden that unfolded after passing through the school entrance? The large statue and well-landscaped garden were reminiscent of a university campus.

The various buildings were also unusual.

The imposing Gothic-style main building in front, the annexes made of brown bricks, the cafeteria that looked somewhat like a church, the spacious playground, the auditorium, the storage, and the dormitories, etc. It was a feast for the eyes for a high school.

In the central garden of such a high school.

“Okay, okay! Let’s unload the equipment quickly!”

“Where’s the director?!!”

“He’s gone to check the filming location! He’s in the auditorium right now!”

“Distribute the walkie-talkies!! Take them by team!”

A filming crew was quickly unloading their equipment. The number of people easily exceeded 40.

“Hey, hey! You! I told you that was expensive! Don’t just drop it like that!”

“Sorry!”

“Guards! Please block the students before they gather!”

“Where are the actors?!!”

“They’re almost here!”

The atmosphere was generally chaotic. What fueled it was.

“Wow! Amazing! They really came!”

“So cool, it’s my first time seeing a filming!”

“But does anyone know what they’re filming?”

“I heard from the school officer that it’s ‘Male Friend.'”

“Oh? That thing, what is it, Netflix??!”

It was the students gathering around the staff. It was mid-July, so it was summer vacation, and the school was empty, but there were kids left in the dorms. What started as a few people grew to a dozen as the rumors spread.

“‘Male Friend’?! If it’s really that, then Kang Woo-jin and Hwa-rin are coming here??!”

The decibel level was getting louder. However, the students were quickly blocked by the guard staff. Nevertheless, the students peeked through the gaps, desperately trying to see the filming zone.

It was at this moment.

“Ugh! I can’t see well… huh??”

One of the dozen or so students felt an aura from the school entrance. Soon, several staff members who were preparing for filming ran towards the school entrance. The girl, who was watching as if mesmerized, saw in her eyes.

-Swoosh.

A man with an indifferent face was calmly walking in. He had the aura of a celebrity at first glance. Soon, she recognized his face and pointed at the man with her index finger, shouting to her friends around her.

“There, there! Kang Woo-jin! Kang Woo-jin!!”

End