I was Mistaken as a Monstrous Genius Actor [EN]: Chapter 134

The first screening of ‘Drug Dealer.’ To be precise, it was a test screening and a blind preview. Because of this, over 30 people, including Kang Woo-jin, who had a cameo, Jin Jae-joon, the male lead of ‘Drug Dealer,’ the main actors, director Kim Do-hee, the cinematographer, key staff, and film company officials, all focused their eyes on the screen in front of the sound studio.

-[And Kang Woo-jin]

After Kang Woo-jin’s name, which had just appeared on the screen, disappeared like smoke, the grand music suddenly shifted to an intense beat that could be heard in a club.

-♬♪

The screen, which had been displaying black, now showed a nightclub. Not the present, but a past scene. Many people were dancing to the music, but their appearances and clothing had a strong old-fashioned feel. It was natural. The era of ‘Drug Dealer’ was 1999.

The location was Busan.

Soon, the camera followed the back of a waiter carrying drinks. The waiter arrived at a room, and the screen showed men and women indulging in alcohol. What was being served in this room wasn’t just regular liquor. It was liquor mixed with drugs being distributed in Busan.

So, the men and women mixing and partying in the room were out of their minds.

At that moment, the door of the room suddenly burst open.

[“You morons, having fun.”]

A man with a cigarette in his mouth appeared. He was a detective. Jung Sung-hoon, the protagonist of ‘Drug Dealer’ played by Jin Jae-joon. On screen, Jung Sung-hoon had a clearly rebellious vibe, and after taking a long drag of his cigarette, he suddenly shouted.

[“Where’s the female boss?! Dong-tae! Hey, Kim Dong-tae!!”]

The camera angle immediately changed. From the back of a man in a suit running away, the screen quickly focused on Jung Sung-hoon in front of the room. The man who had been running now groveled before Jung Sung-hoon.

[“Aigo- Detective, you should have come straight to me. Why are you messing around? Come, come this way. I’ll get you some cigarettes.”]

The man stuffed something into Jung Sung-hoon’s pocket. What else could it be? It was money. The camera zoomed in on Jung Sung-hoon, who was smirking slyly.

[“Why does my pocket feel a bit light?”]

The man stuffed more money into the other pocket.

[“Okay, okay, I’ve made it heavy- Let’s go get some coffee, huh? I’ve called some girls with nice butts.”]

Jung Sung-hoon was forcibly dragged away by the man. No, he pretended to be dragged away. At this point, the screen went dark. Suddenly, the voice of a news anchor filled the room.

[“Drug dealers are rampant in Busan.”]

Then, a scene from the news was displayed on the screen, with white subtitles below. It explained the situation in 1999. From here, the pace of ‘Drug Dealer’ gradually picked up.

Thus, ‘Drug Dealer’ increased its speed.

From Jung Sung-hoon’s perspective, as characters were gradually introduced, incidents exploded here and there.

The tension and urgency were palpable.

‘Drug Dealer’ reached the middle part of the story with a captivating narrative. Around this time, the screen showed a dark sky, and soon it began to rain. The sound of rain was strongly amplified.

-Swaaaaaa

Then, the screen changed. The driver’s seat of the sedan at the end of a line of four sedans opened, and a man in a suit got out. He had no tie, and the top button of his shirt was undone, revealing a glimpse of a tattoo on his chest: ‘Lee Sang-man.’ The boss of the ‘Sang-man Faction.’

Kang Woo-jin’s first appearance.

-♬♪

Immediately, Lee Sang-man’s theme song began to play. A heavy and brutal, yet somehow lonely, film score. At that moment, Woo-jin, who was sitting with his legs crossed in the middle of the studio,

“······”

His expression was indifferent, with no change, but inside, he was making a fuss.

‘Ugh! It’s me!’

He had checked it on the monitor when filming, but seeing the finished product on the screen made him feel embarrassed tenfold.

Then again.

‘······Hmm, it looks kind of cool? Or not.’

He fell into a slight self-admiration. On the other hand, everyone except Woo-jin was busy whispering from Lee Sang-man’s first appearance.

“Definitely- the Lee Sang-man character is amazing.”

Especially the film company officials couldn’t stop talking.

“It started with a fast and slow pace in the beginning, but when Lee Sang-man appeared in the middle, the immersion level shot up.”

“The director must have planned it that way.”

These evaluations turned into shock as ‘Drug Dealer’ moved into the mid-to-late part. It was because of the change in Lee Sang-man, who gradually lost his charisma and was dying.

“The acting is insane.”

“Maybe it’s the makeup, but the way Lee Sang-man, who was so powerful, goes crazy is just… ugh.”

“Woo-jin is so hot right now. If it goes well, he might be considered a legendary villain character.”

“With that level of acting, after the movie is released, there might be controversy about whether Woo-jin has done drugs??”

It was overwhelmingly impressive.

“Eh- no way.”

After the blind preview, the distributor of ‘Drug Dealer’ immediately started preparations for its release.

『[Movie Talk] Final stages of post-production, ‘Drug Dealer’ starring Jin Jae-joon and Kang Woo-jin to be released as early as October! / Photo』

They began securing theaters and started the planned promotional schedule. At the same time, trailers and related videos of ‘Drug Dealer’ were released all at once.

-【[Drug Dealer]】Official 1st Trailer｜ENG SUB

Of course, Japan was still buzzing about ‘Strange Geisha.’

『’Strange Geisha’, what kind of role does 「Kang Woo-jin」 play? Rumors spread mainly in the community』

Time melted away. Kang Woo-jin’s time, that is.

Due to his schedule in Japan, his schedule was piling up, and as the issues became more intense, more schedules were added. Therefore, although the blind preview of ‘Drug Dealer’ had ended well, Kang Woo-jin had no time or room to relax. Schedules were flooding in. First of all, there were the delayed commercial shoots.

『[Star Talk] ‘Maxnald’ side, which benefited greatly from Kang Woo-jin’s advertising effect, “Confirmed extension contract with Kang Woo-jin”』

Including ‘Maxnald,’ which had changed from a short-term to a long-term model, there were many new contracts for clothing and other advertisements. The advertising industry couldn’t leave Woo-jin, who was currently ranked number one in domestic popularity, alone.

『’Advertising Blue Chip’ Kang Woo-jin, achieves 1st place in brand reputation in August!』

Combining both long-term and short-term contracts, Kang Woo-jin had signed over 10 advertisements. Moreover.

『[Fact Check] Clothing brands target ‘Issue Monster’ Kang Woo-jin, does everything he wears sell out?』

The response to the products that Kang Woo-jin modeled was also very good. Especially in clothing. It was a part where Han Ye-jeong’s ability was demonstrated. The jackets and jeans that were advertised or sponsored on Woo-jin’s SNS achieved enormous sales.

Therefore.

-Kang Woo-jin’s jeans seem to be good quality lol

-Kang Woo-jin’s denim jacket I bought yesterday.jpg

Among the public, the phenomenon of the name ‘Kang Woo-jin’ being attached to products occurred everywhere. In fact, if you searched for Kang Woo-jin jeans, that product would be found.

『’Crazy Moves’ from his first appearance until now, how many ads is that? What is Kang Woo-jin’s estimated income?』

So, money was bound to accumulate in Woo-jin’s bank account. But Kang Woo-jin had no time to spend it.

“Today, we’ll record a total of two songs, and for videos, we’ll produce a total of four songs in English and Japanese versions! Please do it comfortably as you always do!”

“Yes, PD [Producer].”

“If we have time, let’s also film some casual communication videos.”

Filming backup videos for the ‘Kang Woo-jin Sub-Character’ channel, which had surpassed 1 million subscribers, and post-dubbing for ‘Male Friend,’ which was currently in the final stages of editing.

『[Drama Pick] Netflix’s short project ‘Male Friend,’ although short, is unusual in Korea and Japan』

There were countless online and offline promotional schedules for ‘Male Friend,’ magazine photo shoots, promotional fan signing events, and so on.

『Kang Woo-jin waving to fans at an event related to ‘Male Friend’ / Photo』

That’s how a week disappeared in the blink of an eye.

Monday, September 8th, Tokyo, Japan.

The location was the headquarters of the large corporation, Kashii Group. The office next to the chairman’s office on the top floor. This was the secretary’s office. A woman sitting upright at her desk in the secretary’s office caught the eye. She was the chief secretary to Chairman Hideki. With large eyes and a generally upright image, her name was Tetsukawa Riri.

In her mid-30s, she had been assisting Chairman Hideki for over 10 years. Therefore, there were few people in the Kashii Group who didn’t know her.

In front of her.

“Hmm-”

Transparent files were placed. They were materials on Kang Woo-jin and Director Kyotaro, etc., that had been investigated under Chairman Hideki’s orders. However, even though the order had been given a week ago, she hadn’t moved much.

The reason was simple.

Chairman Hideki had changed his instructions. Then, Riri tapped the transparent files with her index finger and crossed her legs. Then, she recalled when Chairman Hideki had reversed his instructions. It started when she reported the investment issue of ‘Strange Geisha’ to Chairman Hideki.

Strangely, Chairman Hideki had reacted sensitively to the issue of ‘Strange Geisha,’ but he quickly regained his composure when he realized the reason was money.

Then, he uttered a word.

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

Then, Chairman Hideki calmly began to analyze the problem.

“But what is the reason for this investment issue?”

“The ‘Strange Geisha’ side is keeping it quiet, and since it’s not something that’s been revealed, it’s not certain.”

“I know, I’m asking for your opinion.”

“…It seems that Kang Woo-jin, whom you told me to investigate, is the origin of the issue.”

“Are investors avoiding him? Well, as noisy as it is, there must be opposition.”

“Yes. In addition, the complaints from the original fans of ‘Strange Geisha’ are noticeably increasing. After all, it’s not common to cast a Korean actor, especially a rookie, as the lead.”

“They might not have liked the fact that he was a Korean actor in the first place. Their pride was hurt, or they’re rejecting change.”

Chairman Hideki clicked his tongue as if he didn’t like it.

“Why don’t they know that the more they do that, the more stagnant they become.”

“However, considering the high position that Director Tanoguchi Kyotaro has in Japan, the power of the original ‘Strange Geisha,’ and the overlapping issues, I believe the investment problem can be resolved.”

“How long do you think that resolution will take?”

“If it’s short, a few months, if it’s long, about half a year.”

“Hmm. It’s certain that there’s been a disruption in the plan. And there’s a possibility of it collapsing.”

Chairman Hideki, who was stroking his chin, recalled his grandson’s smiling face.

“He’ll be disappointed.”

“Yes?”

“No, more than that, what is the total production cost of ‘Strange Geisha’?”

“As far as I’ve confirmed, it’s a little less than 20 billion [Japanese Yen].”

“What’s missing?”

“I estimate about 10 billion [Japanese Yen].”

“I see.”

Chairman Hideki, who nodded slowly, muttered to himself about Kang Woo-jin.

“That should be enough for the thanks. You, quietly contact the film company of ‘Strange Geisha’ and tell them that I’ll pay that money.”

Riri blinked her eyes.

“…Do you perhaps have plans to expand into the cultural business?”

“Well. Not right now, but surprisingly, businesses can grow in unexpected places.”

Riri found it difficult to understand, but Chairman Hideki had such an eccentric side that she quickly closed her mouth.

“Understood, I will move immediately.”

At that time.

“Ah- wait a minute.”

Chairman Hideki, who was slowly stroking his white-haired eyebrows, called Riri again.

“Rather than intervening immediately, it’s better to create some ups and downs while giving it some time. Since it’s a thank you anyway, it’s better to increase the results several times over.”

Soon, Chairman Hideki began to mutter to himself with a small smile. Because a different calculation had come out.

“Since it’s a movie by Director Tanoguchi Kyotaro, investors will come even if it’s late. But that would make me and the situation too bland. It has to be made independently. So that it can be focused on.”

Indeed, although he was old, he was the one who had built the Kashii Group, so his brain was very quick.

“A way to firmly imprint my face while further increasing the firepower of ‘Strange Geisha,’ and a curve to insert an even bigger background. No, a method.”

Then, Chairman Hideki slowly raised his head and made eye contact with Riri. His voice was calm.

“We should leak that hush-hush investment problem to the world.”

“Yes?”

“I’m saying to increase the controversy around ‘Strange Geisha,’ because the media and public opinion like crises.”

“You’re thinking of noise marketing.”

“It’s similar. But it shouldn’t be obvious. Leak it quietly. Just add fuel to the fire and fan it a bit. Then ‘Strange Geisha’ will be put on the chopping block and burn on its own.”

It was true. The momentum of ‘Strange Geisha’ was already incredibly high.

“That will further block the investment hole.”

“…They will definitely be more afraid than they are now.”

“That’s right. Let’s let it mature in that state. Until the flames of controversy are at their peak. When the time is right, we need to complete the picture of us pulling ‘Strange Geisha’ out of the abyss.”

By this point, Riri had a rough picture in her head.

“Then, are you planning to announce to the world that we will take over the investment of ‘Strange Geisha’?”

Chairman Hideki replied with a relaxed, rough voice.

“No. Anything definite is dangerous. It’s enough to just spread vague rumors that the backer of ‘Strange Geisha’ is the Kashii Group or not. Just create confusion. Even that much will have several times the promotional power it has now. For both us and ‘Strange Geisha’.”

“Are you going to keep it buried?”

“Hmm, well. It’s not too late to do that after seeing the results of ‘Strange Geisha.’ If the results are not good, we can bury it, and if it’s okay, we can announce it. An image of investing in a challenging cultural industry. Not bad.”

Chairman Hideki, who had a faint smile, gave his changed instructions.

“Keep an eye on it for a week. In the meantime, make the information about ‘Strange Geisha’ more solid. You can leak the fuel next week, depending on how you see it. Focus on major media outlets. It’s perfect if it seems a bit exaggerated.”

Here, Riri returned to her place. That is, to reality. She checked the date displayed on her laptop. Exactly one week had passed since the chairman’s instructions.

Soon, she picked up her phone.

-Swish.

She contacted the major media outlets that had been prepped.

“Now is the time.”

Later that day, around noon, an article related to ‘Strange Geisha’ appeared on the entertainment section of Japan’s number one portal site.

『[Exclusive] The hot topic 「Strange Geisha」, 10 billion out of 20 billion in investment has been withdrawn? Why?』

It was featured on the main page.

Two hours later, Korea. Buyeo.

Around 2 PM. At the large set of ‘Island of the Missing,’ many staff members were running around. It wasn’t as many as during the script reading, but there seemed to be at least 40 people. In addition, all the main and supporting actors of ‘Island of the Missing’ were gathered.

Because today was the teaser poster shoot.

The teaser poster was different from the official poster. It was like a trailer for the poster. A poster that would be used for promotion during the filming of the movie. The teaser poster was very important. It was the poster that the public would see until the end of filming.

Anyway, around this time, Kang Woo-jin was in a van.

‘I think I’ve been waiting for about 30 minutes- how much longer do I have to wait??’

He was waiting because the filming setup was in full swing. Of course, all the actors, including Ryu Jung-min, were the same. What was interesting was Kang Woo-jin’s current outfit.

‘By the way, it’s been a while since I wore a military uniform. Ugh- it makes me want to throw up.’

It was the military uniform that was also in Woo-jin’s house. When Woo-jin frowned at the stiff military boots and the rough feel of the military uniform, it was then.

-Click!

The back door of the van suddenly opened, and Choi Sung-gun, with his ponytail, poked his face in. His expression was slightly serious.

“Woo-jin, something happened.”

“What’s wrong?”

“An article about the withdrawal of investment in ‘Strange Geisha’ just broke big in Japan.”

Kang Woo-jin immediately screamed inwardly.

‘Aish- crazy. Didn’t I say it would be a disaster if that was revealed??’

At the same time, Choi Sung-gun continued.

“Additional articles are spreading and it’s a mess right now. Just be aware of it for now. We’ll have to see how the situation unfolds. Anyway, the poster shoot starts in 10 minutes, so get ready.”

Choi Sung-gun, who finished his remarks, closed the car door. Woo-jin quickly picked up the script that was nearby. When he picked it up, it was ‘Island of the Missing.’ Whatever it was, he immediately pierced the black square [referring to the black square on the script that allows him to enter the subspace].

-Thud.

Kang Woo-jin, who quickly entered the subspace, quickly moved towards the white square [referring to the white square that represents ‘Strange Geisha’].

“Ah- isn’t this going to lower the rating even more?”

The rating of ‘Strange Geisha,’ which he had checked when he was in Japan, had dropped from A+ to C. But now that the investment problem had been thrown to the world.

“D? Or maybe even F if it gets overturned? Tsk! It’s a bit difficult.”

Woo-jin, whose complicated feelings had intensified, immediately checked the white square of ‘Strange Geisha.’ But.

“Huh?”

Woo-jin blinked his eyes.

“Huh? What is it?”

It was understandable. The rating of ‘Strange Geisha,’ which had dropped from A+ to C and which he had thought might even drop to D or F.

-[7/Scenario (Title: The Bizarre Sacrifice of a Stranger), S+ Grade]

It had suddenly ‘skyrocketed’ to an S+ grade.