I was Mistaken as a Monstrous Genius Actor [EN]: Chapter 141

Crank-in. That is, the first day of filming. Or, to be precise, the first day of filming for ‘Island of the Missing’ had probably already begun. The call time for ‘Island of the Missing’ was from the morning. However, only one of the main actors was called.

It was Kang Woo-jin.

In short, Kang Woo-jin was the one who kicked off the filming schedule, and the rest of the main actors, including Ryu Jung-min, were to join in the afternoon. According to the distributed filming schedule, Kang Woo-jin started in Seoul in the morning and would now be in the middle of filming in Buyeo.

As ‘Private First Class Jin Seon-cheol’.

Anyway, Ryu Jung-min right now.

“Hoo-”

He was deeply focused, rehearsing the role of ‘Lieutenant Choi Yu-tae’ from the script.

‘This time, we’re both leads.’

During ‘The Playboy’ days, there was a gap in recognition and status as a lead, but this time, there’s almost no difference between him and Kang Woo-jin. Of course, Ryu Jung-min still had a much more established career. However, the entertainment industry was not a market where popularity was determined by experience.

Only people’s interest.

In that sense, Kang Woo-jin, currently the king of buzz, was the biggest predator in ‘Island of the Missing,’ and Ryu Jung-min lowered his stance, labeling himself as a challenger.

‘Forget about seniority, I’ll approach this purely as an actor, as a challenger.’

A challenger. For Ryu Jung-min, Kang Woo-jin was the limit itself. At least, that’s what Ryu Jung-min concluded.

That’s why.

‘……I want to avoid it, honestly.’

Even now, as he was heading to the filming location, Ryu Jung-min felt fear rising. It was overwhelming. Heavy. As someone who was already at the top, he could have chosen a different path. But Ryu Jung-min.

“Still, if I overcome this, maybe I can too.”

He chose to face the limit, to look directly at Kang Woo-jin. Surely, if he faced Kang Woo-jin in ‘Island of the Missing,’ he would experience the fear of failure and a sense of loss. However, Ryu Jung-min was currently in the mindset of a challenger, so he chose to overcome it rather than encourage himself.

The two of them would engage in a different kind of psychological battle in ‘Island of the Missing’ than they did in ‘The Playboy’.

‘Lieutenant Choi Yu-tae’ would try to believe in ‘Private First Class Jin Seon-cheol,’ played by Woo-jin, while also suspecting him, and ‘Private First Class Jin Seon-cheol’ would avoid ‘Lieutenant Choi Yu-tae’ and act like a monster.

No, in a way, the real villain in ‘Island of the Missing’ was ‘Private First Class Jin Seon-cheol’.

‘Private First Class Jin Seon-cheol’ was more cunning and secretive than ‘Manager Park’. So, his level could be higher. On the other hand, Ryu Jung-min’s ‘Lieutenant Choi Yu-tae’ was less capable than ‘Yoo Ji-hyung’ from ‘The Playboy’. So, for Ryu Jung-min, it was bound to be even more intense.

However, Ryu Jung-min smiled.

‘The stage is perfect for a challenger.’

He felt that the situation was favorable. Pure desire, greed, venom, overheating. Whatever the word, Ryu Jung-min was determined.

‘I’ll use that monster, for my sake.’

He would use the outrageous Kang Woo-jin to grow and break through his limits.

This kind of atmosphere wasn’t just felt by Ryu Jung-min.

At the same time, most of the top actors heading to the same destination felt the same way. Kim Yi-won, the lead of ‘Again Man,’ which was recently released and doing well.

“A person with a split personality – I wonder how Woo-jin is portraying that? Hyung [older brother/male friend], let’s go a bit faster.”

“Dude, I’m already stepping on it. But I’m also curious. That guy’s acting that’s turning both Korea and Japan upside down.”

“Ha… honestly, I’m a bit intimidated? But I’m also curious.”

Jeon Woo-chang, who seemed to have gained even more muscle, was as cheerful as ever.

“Woo-chang, why don’t you stop looking at the script and get some sleep?”

“Hey, if I do that, I’ll mess up. I’m already the worst actor! And now Woo-jin is here?? Did you see Woo-jin’s acting during the reading?! How can I sleep after seeing that!”

Even Ha Yu-ra, who joined ‘Island of the Missing’ the latest. Especially the tall one, she was completely focused on Kang Woo-jin. Even while looking at the script, Woo-jin’s face would suddenly come to mind.

‘……Now I can see it for sure.’

The ‘wildness’ that Director Kwon Ki-taek mentioned, yet a method actor like herself, who was thoroughly educated. Kang Woo-jin during the script reading was definitely amazing. He showed acting that was hard to believe from a rookie.

But that didn’t seem to be all.

There was more. That monster rookie had much more to offer. Ha Yu-ra, with her hair down, kept picturing Kang Woo-jin while traveling. And then, she created his image in front of her eyes.

How much time had passed?

The white van that Ha Yu-ra was in arrived at the parking lot of the large-scale set complex in Buyeo. A few staff members ran towards her car, but there were not dozens of staff members visible around the large set complex.

It was natural.

Right now, Kang Woo-jin and the filming crew, including Director Kwon Ki-taek, would be filming in the dense forest. Soon, Ha Yu-ra headed straight into the forest where the filming crew was. Soon, nearly 100 people and numerous filming equipment came into her view.

Along with.

“Action.”

The gentle signal from Director Kwon Ki-taek in front of the monitor was also heard. The filming of ‘Island of the Missing’ was already underway. Many supporting and minor actors were giving their all. They were all wearing military uniforms, and their faces were covered in various makeup, from blood to wounds.

The filming zone was mostly dark.

It was the time of day, and because of the barriers, what was captured on the monitor had a strong night-time feel. Soon, Ha Yu-ra stood behind the crowd of staff members. The main actors, including Ryu Jung-min, had already arrived at the scene. Although they were top actors, they were no different from spectators at the moment.

They only exchanged glances with each other.

The atmosphere at the scene was very heavy and thick. They instinctively felt that they shouldn’t be a hindrance.

It was at this moment.

“Cut- Okay. Next, Woo-jin.”

The easygoing Director Kwon Ki-taek called for Kang Woo-jin. Then, the assistant director ran somewhere and shouted.

“Woo-jin!! Standby!!”

Kang Woo-jin appeared, wearing a military uniform and a helmet tucked under his arm. His hair was also shorter. It wasn’t long to begin with, but it had become more soldier-like. In terms of makeup, his face was relatively clean compared to the other actors. With an indifferent expression, Kang Woo-jin talked to Director Kwon Ki-taek in the center of the filming zone where the camera was focused.

It was probably a verbal rehearsal of the scene they were about to shoot.

At this moment, Ha Yu-ra’s expression became serious.

‘Which scene is it?’

Ryu Jung-min and the other main actors also stared intently at Kang Woo-jin. Of course, the same was true for the hundred or so staff members and supporting and minor actors. Kang Woo-jin’s imposing presence was that strong, and his presence was overwhelming. And everyone’s eyes were similar.

They were determined to watch the acting of that walking issue.

Soon, as the scene changed, the actors in the filming zone left, and the environment also changed slightly. It was still dark, but the props were replaced. Blood-stained helmets, military uniform tops scattered on the floor, and so on. Only two actors were needed for this scene. One was, of course, ‘Private First Class Jin Seon-cheol,’ played by Kang Woo-jin.

The other was a minor actor playing the role of ‘Sergeant Choi’.

The actor playing ‘Sergeant Choi’ was short and had a generally sharp-looking face. He was a well-known actor in supporting roles, known for his acting skills. Soon, Director Kwon Ki-taek seemed to have finished talking to ‘Sergeant Choi’ and ‘Private First Class Jin Seon-cheol’.

-Swish.

He returned to his seat and calmly said to the assistant director and key staff.

“Let’s go with the first cut comfortably.”

Shortly after.

All the staff moved in perfect unison. The staff members quickly moved out, and Director Kwon Ki-taek sat down in his seat. The main actors, except for Ha Yu-ra and Ryu Jung-min, had their eyes shining even brighter.

Then.

-Clap!

A staff member clapped the slate in front of the camera.

The scene they were about to shoot was set a few days after they had arrived on this mysterious island. The number of deaths had already increased to four, and the soldiers were killed by a monster lurking in the forest. No one had even seen the face of the monster. But the soldiers were dying with their necks cut and their bodies torn apart.

However, the dozen or so soldiers could only run away.

They couldn’t even recover the bodies of their comrades. It wasn’t easy to escape the forest. In the first place, it wasn’t even certain if this was Earth. They hadn’t eaten or slept comfortably for days. The stress and mental fatigue of all the soldiers had reached their limit. They were utterly exhausted.

In this situation, ‘Private First Class Jin Seon-cheol,’ who had been quiet, slowly began to move.

The start of that cut was from Director Kwon Ki-taek’s relaxed signal.

“Action.”

The camera immediately moved towards ‘Sergeant Choi,’ who was muttering while hugging his knees. Sergeant Choi didn’t seem to be in his right mind.

“Damn it… this is fucked up. Where the hell is this? This is stupid. This is happening at the end of my service… damn it. Damn it. Ah- damn it. Damn it. Damn it.”

He was busy muttering to himself as if chanting a spell. It was time to sleep. Currently, ‘Lieutenant Choi Yu-tae’s’ unit was taking turns on night watch and trying to rest somehow. But Sergeant Choi was busy denying reality.

He was anxious and sensitive. As if he would break if someone touched him.

At that moment.

-Rustle.

A sound was heard from the side. The camera and Sergeant Choi’s head quickly turned. A silhouette of a person and a timid voice were heard from the darkness.

“Ser, Sergeant Choi. Are- aren’t you sleeping?”

Kang Woo-jin, or rather, ‘Private First Class Jin Seon-cheol,’ with a low self-esteem tone, a weak voice, and a slight tremor. Soon, Sergeant Choi, who felt a slight sense of relief, lowered his head again.

“You scared me, you little shit. Whew… you’re dead when we get back.”

The camera moved to the side of ‘Private First Class Jin Seon-cheol,’ and he gently approached Sergeant Choi and whispered. His eyes were full of shy concern.

“Are, are you okay?”

“I’m not okay, you idiot- ha, where the hell is this? This is fucked up. Damn it, damn it, damn it.”

“……”

‘Private First Class Jin Seon-cheol,’ who had been looking at him for a moment, briefly looked around. Then, he timidly asked Sergeant Choi again.

“Sergeant Choi. You know. Are, are you hungry?”

“I am.”

“I, I actually found something like fruit over there.”

Sergeant Choi quickly raised his head.

“Fruit?? What the hell? Where did you find it?”

“Uh- I, I’m sorry. I don’t know what it is. But I tried it, and it was okay.”

‘Private First Class Jin Seon-cheol’ moved closer to Sergeant Choi.

“It was sweet.”

Sergeant Choi’s eyes widened. The camera zoomed in on his Adam’s apple. Gulp. He swallowed. But Sergeant Choi barely managed to keep his reason.

“Report to the company commander first…”

‘Private First Class Jin Seon-cheol,’ who was cautiously looking around, replied a little urgently.

“There’s only one left. It’s not enough to report. Can I just eat it?”

“You crazy bastard. You’re just trying to save yourself?”

“Hehe. Ah, no. That’s why I told you, Sergeant.”

“……”

A moment of silence. Then, Director Kwon Ki-taek’s signal.

“Cut, okay. Let’s go with individual character cuts.”

The same scene was repeated calmly. It went on for about several tens of minutes. By now, the camera was filming the backs of the two actors. It was the next scene. Kang Woo-jin and the minor actor were walking carefully, holding their guns. The ground was muddy. Sergeant Choi opened his mouth, grumbling.

“Damn it, it’s a pain in the ass to walk at night. Hey, Jin So-shim [a name that sounds like ‘coward’], if this is another wild goose chase, you’re really dead?”

‘Jin So-shim,’ or ‘Private First Class Jin Seon-cheol,’ who flinched, was captured vividly by the camera. However, thanks to the darkness, his expression was not clear.

“I-I-It’s real.”

“Lead the way.”

“Bu, but Sergeant. I, I found something strange again.”

“What is it?”

“Ah- never mind.”

Sergeant Choi forcefully hit ‘Private First Class Jin Seon-cheol’s’ helmet.

-Thwack!

“What is it, you idiot. You’re so frustrating.”

“Agh, th-th-that is, actually, when I was searching the area under the company commander’s orders earlier today, you know?”

“Yeah.”

“I found the fruit then.”

“What?”

“Bu, but when I was picking the fruit, I accidentally dropped one… there, you know? Below the cliff. The fruit that fell there disappeared.”

“……What? You little shit, are you playing with words?”

The camera captured Sergeant Choi, who had stopped, in a bust shot and slowly moved back. Soon, ‘Private First Class Jin Seon-cheol’ pointed somewhere with his index finger.

“Th-there. The edge of the cliff. I dropped it there, and it just disappeared with a whoosh.”

“Really? What about the fruit?”

“That big tree.”

“I can’t see it?”

“I hid it in the ground.”

“Ah, you’re lying, right?”

“I, I couldn’t believe it either, so I picked up a rock and threw it… and it disappeared.”

Sergeant Choi was dumbfounded. What the hell was this little shit talking about? However, the biggest error was that he was trapped on this crazy island. At this time, the voice of Jin Seon-cheol, who was approaching the edge of the cliff, was heard.

“Didn’t we, we come here through a cave? I… I think the bottom here is a rotating passage. Ah, it’s just my humble thought.”

A rotating passage. Sergeant Choi’s eyes widened. The camera filmed it from the side. Soon, Sergeant Choi stood next to Jin Seon-cheol, who was looking down the cliff.

It was dark.

Nothing was visible to the naked eye. It was night. It was quiet now, but the sound of crashing waves would be added later. Then, Sergeant Choi frowned.

“Where is it?”

“Th-there, can’t you see it?”

“Ah- what do you mean you can see something, you little shit.”

-Rustle.

Kang Woo-jin. No, Jin Seon-cheol, took a step back. His expression, mixed with the darkness, was strangely distorted. And then, he spoke his line.

“Ju, just a moment. I’ll go get the fruit from the ground. It’s there, really.”

“Are you crazy? It’s all dark, what can you see… huh? Hey, didn’t something just move over there?”

“It must be the waves.”

“No, not the waves.”

The camera slowly zoomed in on the face of Jin Seon-cheol, who was moving back. His expression, faintly visible in the dim moonlight, was strange. The timidity that had been prevalent until just now had disappeared.

One more step.

Perhaps because the moonlight didn’t reach, half of Jin Seon-cheol’s face above his nose was hidden in the darkness. Only his mouth was visible now.

His white teeth were clear. No, he was smiling so much that his teeth were visible.

His whole face was dark, but his endlessly rising smile was full. A clean smile. But the gap between his dark face and his smile was extreme.

More than anything.

‘……Crazy. It really feels like I’m on the Island of the Missing. How can such a happy smile come out so quickly?’

‘That one smile explains the character.’

‘There’s the directing too, but Woo-jin’s acting – if I saw this on the big screen, it would be really chilling.’

As the actors like Ryu Jung-min and Ha Yu-ra muttered inwardly, Kang Woo-jin’s seemingly joyful yet eerie smile drastically increased the impact of the scene.

That was only for a moment.

With a rustling sound, the shape of Jin Seon-cheol’s face completely disappeared. Sergeant Choi, who didn’t know this, kept looking down and said.

“Hey, hey, look at that. I’m telling you, there’s really something there?”

Kang Woo-jin, or Jin Seon-cheol, in the darkness, replied.

“Th-then, how about we throw something?”

“Uh, throw what?”

In an instant, Jin Seon-cheol’s voice tone changed like a different person. It was rough and fierce.

“You.”

Sergeant Choi, who flinched, turned his head.

“You little shit, did you just speak informally… hey, where are you?”

The camera showed the dark forest right in front of Sergeant Choi’s gaze. It was quiet and still. That silence was chillingly terrifying. From somewhere, Jin Seon-cheol’s voice was heard again.

“Hehe. Informal? You don’t understand the situation, do you?”

“……What?”

No sooner had he finished asking.

-Whoosh!

Jin Seon-cheol suddenly popped out of the dark darkness. His face was full of joy, and that expression was fully captured by the camera.

And then, he.

-Thwack!!

He pushed Sergeant Choi without hesitation. It was just one second. That was the time Sergeant Choi disappeared. Soon, Jin Seon-cheol looked down the cliff and chuckled, trying to hold back his laughter. His pure white teeth floated in the darkness.

It was a smile full of satisfaction.

“Who uses honorifics to a corpse, you idiot?”

End