I was Mistaken as a Monstrous Genius Actor [EN]: Chapter 133

The chief secretary’s eyes, sitting in the passenger seat, widened slightly, more from bewilderment than shock. She carefully asked Chairman Hideki in Japanese from the back seat,

“Excuse me, but let me confirm once more. Is it the Korean rookie actor, Kang Woo-jin?”

“Yes.”

“······”

When there was no reply, Chairman Hideki, who had been reading the newspaper, lowered it and fixed his gaze on the passenger seat.

“Is it hard to understand because it’s too sudden?”

“…No, it’s just a bit unexpected.”

“It’s understandable.”

The Chairman, who had been smiling calmly, lowered his gaze back to the newspaper and murmured briefly. His voice was relaxed.

“But you just need to do it. Sometimes, curiosity can be poison.”

The chief secretary, her face tense, turned and immediately bowed her head.

“Yes, yes. I understand. Should I check in detail?”

Chairman Hideki, stroking his chin at her question, shook his head.

“No. Just moderately, recent trends, his agency, and his works will be enough.”

After that.

Kang Woo-jin and Hwa-rin returned to Korea, but the aftermath of their schedule in Japan was quite significant, especially in Japan.

『Kang Woo-jin and Hwa-rin Appear at the Arrival Gate』

『Over 500 People Gathered at the Airport Due to the Arrival of Kang Woo-jin and Hwa-rin / Entertainment News』

The fact that they turned the airport upside down from the moment they arrived, as well as the massive crowds that gathered at the arrival gate, was enough to excite the Japanese media.

『Kang Woo-jin Waves to Excited Japanese Fans, He Was More Calm Than Expected』

It was more chaotic than expected for the appearance of a foreign actor, not one from their own country. Even with Hwa-rin by his side, it was still quite noisy.

However, unlike the initial reports, the Japanese media often wrote articles with a negative slant.

『”Hype, What’s So Special About a Korean Rookie Actor?” Anti-Kang Woo-jin Voices Grow Louder』

After the initial excitement and shock, follow-up articles tended to be more negative than positive. It was a natural phenomenon, and it was the same in Korea.

Regardless.

『Director Tanoguchi Kyotaro Picks Kang Woo-jin, What Will Happen to This Japanese Schedule?』

In Japan, they were churning out as much of the most popular news as possible. Similar topics or updated issues were the main focus.

『1 Million Subscribers in a Week? Kang Woo-jin’s Popularity Soars in Korea and Japan』

『Numerous Fans Gather at the Event with Netflix Japan and Kang Woo-jin, Hwa-rin』

Numerous photos were spread through articles. Some were taken by reporters, but many were from the cell phones of the Japanese public. Naturally, these were spread not only in the Japanese media but also on social media and online communities.

-I saw Kang Woo-jin at the airport and he was even more handsome than I thought!!

Related to this, ‘Netflix Japan’ and ‘Ametalk Show!’ also lent their support. Of course, there were occasional tabloid-style articles.

『Rumors That Investors Are Pulling Out of the Hot Topic “Strange Geisha”, Film Company Officials Say “That’s Not True”』

However, they were in the minority and did not receive much attention. The ‘Ametalk Show!’, which recently finished filming with Kang Woo-jin, had a high level of attention.

『Kang Woo-jin Becomes the First on “Ametalk Show!”, Public’s Curiosity Explodes After News of Filming Completion』

In a way, it could be seen as the biggest event in Kang Woo-jin’s Japanese schedule. Moreover, there were many items in the ‘Ametalk Show!’ that Woo-jin participated in: the first Korean rookie actor, guest Hwa-rin, Woo-jin’s vocals, talk, and…

『Ametalk Show! Production Team Says “Kang Woo-jin Has Extraordinary Abilities”』

Even Kang Woo-jin’s hidden abilities. Since Woo-jin was so hot in Japan, the reactions quickly followed.

-Ametalk is doing a great job! I have to watch the live broadcast for the first time in a while!

-Hwa-rin participated as a guest?! Looking at the photos of them entering the country, they look so good together, are they dating?

-Rumors are created because of comments like yours.

-I don’t like that actor? I hope he gets out of Strange Geisha!

-Looking at Hanryang, he’s good at acting… but there’s something unfamiliar about him.

-There are a lot of strange noises? Our country’s actors are trash at acting, aren’t they?

-Kang Woo-jin! Cute! When can we see him on Ametalk!??

-I saw Kang Woo-jin at the airport, and I felt that Japan is far behind Korea in terms of visuals….

-I’m also really looking forward to Strange Geisha??

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Expectations were more than half, but conversely, there were also some twisted or outright critical comments. Well, this was a natural process for a rising star, so there was no big problem. Whatever the case, the key was.

-Subscribe to Kang Woo-jin’s SNS and YouTube! You can see his real self!

Kang Woo-jin’s recognition in Japan was growing rapidly day by day. At this point, there was no way the Korean media would ignore the situation in Japan.

『Japan is Currently Falling for the ‘Monster Rookie’ Kang Woo-jin, His Recognition Spreads Like a Trend / Photo』

In colloquial terms, was it called ‘national pride’? In addition, articles analyzing Kang Woo-jin’s popularity in Japan were also released.

『Marketing Expert on the Unbelievable Popularity of ‘Kang Woo-jin’ in Japan: “The Stagnant Japanese Entertainment Industry Played a Role”』

The Korean public was naturally feeling proud.

September 1st, Tuesday. HTBS, a general programming channel in Seoul.

Even though it was morning, the entertainment department office looked chaotic at a glance. The PDs [Program Directors] of each program were busy answering phones or in meetings with writers, and various props were scattered on desks and in empty spaces throughout the office.

It was like a flea market.

In contrast to the outside, the head of the entertainment department’s office had a relatively calm atmosphere, and on the central five-person sofa, a pot-bellied man and a familiar man with glasses were visible. It was the head of the entertainment department and Yoon Byung-sun PD, a big name in the entertainment industry.

“Our Yoon PD, it’s so hard to see your face, isn’t it?”

“Then should we take a break? How about we go to the pub in front and chat over some dried pollack with the head of the department?”

“Head of the department, my foot. You keep calling me that, it makes me feel awkward. Just be normal.”

“No, if I call you ‘hyung, hyung’ [older brother], it makes me look too old.”

“You are old.”

Recently, Yoon Byung-sun PD was rarely in Korea. The reason was simple. It was because of ‘Our Table,’ a large-scale variety show in terms of the entire entertainment industry, which he had announced to the world, from planning to the cast.

Since the filming location was overseas, he traveled between Japan and the United States.

Yoon Byung-sun PD returned from the United States two days ago. Anyway, Yoon Byung-sun PD handed a transparent file he had brought to the head of the department.

“Enough, I’m busy today. Just sign this quickly.”

“Wow- Star PD, did you get a signature? You have the aura of a PD who gets hundreds of millions in bonuses?”

“If you’re going to reject it, say it quickly. I’ll just cancel everything and go on a trip.”

The head of the entertainment department snatched the transparent file from Yoon Byung-sun PD, who was trying to take it back, and quickly grabbed a pen from the table in front.

“I’m kidding, you idiot. No, I told you, don’t get my signature for everything, just proceed on your own? The president told you to do that too.”

“I just like this. It feels like things are progressing.”

“You’re such a weirdo. Oh my- how much is this budget?”

“The travel expenses for this trip are also below that.”

“Okay! Signed.”

The head of the entertainment department, who had handed over the transparent file, suddenly grinned.

“By the way, the other cast members are one thing. But did you know Kang Woo-jin would become like this when you picked him? No, when you first mentioned him, he was nothing but Hanryang [a jobless scholar], right? But now… he’s the first rookie to advance to Japan. Honestly, tell me, do you have some kind of ability?”

“Would I have that?”

“If you don’t, why do all the unique people you pick become famous? Especially Kang Woo-jin, he’s really groundbreaking, groundbreaking.”

“Woo-jin is a bit of a special case.”

“A bit? Is that all? I’ve been in the entertainment industry for over 25 years, and I’ve never seen a character like that. How can a rookie who hasn’t even been in the industry for a year cause such a wave in the entertainment world?”

Yoon Byung-sun PD, who had brushed back his short hair, got up from the sofa.

“If there’s any ability, it’s with Woo-jin, not me. You’ll be even more surprised when ‘Our Table’ airs.”

“Why? Is there something else about Kang Woo-jin?”

“I’m going-”

The head of the entertainment department hurriedly shouted at Yoon Byung-sun PD’s back as he walked away.

“Hey, hey! But have you decided where to film season 1 of ‘Our Table’?! Is it Japan??”

Yoon Byung-sun PD, who had opened the door, shook his head.

“No, we’ll start with the United States.”

After answering, he left the head of the department’s office, and the assistant directors and writers who had been waiting nearby gathered around him. Yoon Byung-sun PD, pushing up his glasses, gave them direct instructions.

“Let’s have a meeting right away.”

“Yes, sir!”

“And contact the cast members. We need to start filming the initial interview videos for the first episode soon. Especially Woo-jin, make sure to confirm his schedule? He’ll probably be the busiest.”

“I’ll start scouting restaurants for filming.”

“Oh- and let the cast members know that season 1 is in the United States.”

“Yes, yes, have you decided on the type of Korean food?”

Yoon Byung-sun PD, who had pressed the elevator button, smiled and replied.

“How about K-Bunsik [Korean-style snack food], K-Bunsik.”

At the same time, in Japan.

Near Yurakucho Station, close to Tokyo Station. A tall, mostly angular building that can be seen from afar catches the eye. It was the headquarters of the major corporation, Kashii Group, which was already known to those who knew.

On the top floor of the Kashii Group building.

In a place that felt luxurious from the hallway, there was the room of the owner of this company. That is, the chairman’s office. The owner was, of course, Chairman Yoshimura Hideki. Chairman Hideki’s room, who recently learned about Kang Woo-jin’s existence thanks to his grandson, was as spacious as a hotel.

However, what was unusual was that there were quite a lot of books.

Enough to fill one wall, and there were books overflowing on the tables and around the large sofas. These things showed how much Chairman Hideki read books.

“Hmm-”

Chairman Hideki, who had taken off his suit jacket, was currently listening to a report from his chief secretary at a large desk by the window.

“Kang Woo-jin, whom you mentioned, has finished his schedule in Japan and returned to Korea.”

Chairman Hideki, who had glasses perched on the tip of his nose, checked the documents that were submitted along with her report and slowly nodded.

“That’s a shame. Was there no talk of him coming back to Japan?”

“No, not at the moment.”

“I see. Continue.”

Then, the chief secretary, with a neat appearance and her hair tied in a single braid, recited the prepared statement.

“Currently, Kang Woo-jin is making great strides in Korea. Starting with the short film he made at his debut, the subsequent drama reached 25% viewership, making his face known. Next…”

She recited Kang Woo-jin’s filmography from the beginning to the present. Since most of it had already been introduced in the media, it was easy to find, and she added that big names were flocking to Woo-jin.

“Hanryang has been launched in Japan, and the drama ‘Boyfriend’ is scheduled. Director Tanoguchi Kyotaro’s ‘Strange Geisha,’ which you know, is in production. Kang Woo-jin’s popularity in Japan soared because of ‘Strange Geisha.'”

“Hmm, yes. I also enjoyed reading the book ‘The Strange Sacrifice of a Stranger.'”

“Kang Woo-jin’s issues and popularity in Korea and Japan are soaring. Especially in Korea, it has been confirmed to be unique.”

A slight bewilderment was evident on Chairman Hideki’s face as he continued to listen to the report. Soon, he tapped the report with his index finger and calmly asked the chief secretary.

“All of this happened in less than a year?”

“That’s correct.”

“Does this kind of thing happen? I’m a bit surprised. Looking at the advertising models who have contracts with our headquarters or affiliates, they have at least 3 to 5 years of obscurity.”

“It’s a unique case. It’s not certain in Korea, but in Japan, you can consider it the first of its kind.”

“Then he must be the only one in Korea as well.”

To be honest, Chairman Hideki was quite shocked. The filmography of the Korean actor named Kang Woo-jin was quite unusual. This was not about empathy, but a speed and results that would attract attention even from the perspective of a businessman.

“Even though he must have gone through the same difficult times as me – he has achieved this much? And he’s so young… Acting, Japanese, even Japanese sign language. Moreover, his YouTube channel is about singing. He’s versatile. Above all.”

Chairman Hideki, who had turned a page of the report, focused on the people around Kang Woo-jin.

“There are many outstanding people nearby. Big names, you could say. Including Director Tanoguchi Kyotaro.”

He was certain of one thing.

“I can’t even imagine how much effort he must have put in.”

“Yes?”

“No. Was there no information about sign language?”

“No, Chairman. There was no information about sign language at all.”

Chairman Hideki, nodding, changed the subject.

“This guy’s agency isn’t that big. BW Entertainment?”

“Yes. It hasn’t been open for long. Compared to Korean entertainment companies, it’s very small.”

“So it’s a new company.”

“The only actors under the agency are Kang Woo-jin and top actress Hong Hye-yeon.”

“Ah- that actress.”

“Yes. However, it seems that the recent success of Kang Woo-jin and Hong Hye-yeon is rapidly increasing, and they seem to be aiming to expand the company.”

“Oh, really? Expanding the scale-”

Chairman Hideki’s eyes changed as he trailed off. A hint of interest mixed in.

“First of all, the container must be large to hold a lot. Let’s check this part more thoroughly.”

“…Understood.”

“Any unique points?”

At the question, the chief secretary brought up the story of ‘The Strange Sacrifice of a Stranger.’

“It seems like they’re trying to keep it quiet, but from what I’ve checked, there seems to be some problems with ‘Strange Geisha.'”

At this, Chairman Hideki’s eyes shot up, as if quite surprised.

“Problems? What kind of problems?”

At that moment, he recalled the face of his grandson, Shingo. More precisely, Chairman Hideki’s brow furrowed as he remembered the promise to watch ‘Strange Geisha’ together.

“Is it perhaps a money problem?”

“That’s correct. It’s a funding problem.”

Chairman Hideki’s face slowly relaxed as he nodded.

“If it’s money, it’s like there’s no problem at all.”

Meanwhile, in Korea.

The location was a sound studio in Seoul. However, the scale was not small. Perhaps because of that, the size of the main recording room was quite large. In the front, there were several monitors and screens, various props for sound, sound equipment with numerous buttons, and dozens of chairs behind the equipment.

Wouldn’t it easily accommodate 50 people?

That was indeed the case. There were over 30 people in the studio right now. The lighting was dim. Among them, Kang Woo-jin was seen sitting in the center chair. Today, he was also the epitome of cynicism.

However.

“I’m, coming out!”

Inside, his excitement was rising. The reason was displayed on the screen in front of him.

-♬♪

The BGM echoed in the studio. It was grand and heavy. After that, white letters were engraved in the center of the dark screen. Numerous names related to investment, and then the volume of the sound suddenly increased. At the same time, large letters appeared on the screen.

-[Drug Dealer]

It was a mix of black and red, and the font style was rough. Soon, the title disappeared like smoke, and another letter appeared. This time, it also had a rough feel.

-[Jin Jae-joon]

It was the names of the actors.

-[Park Pan-seo]

After the names of the main actors, the name of one actor was added.

-[And Kang Woo-jin]

The first screening of ‘Drug Dealer’ began.

End