I was Mistaken as a Monstrous Genius Actor [EN]: Chapter 149

[1(new!)] My Guy Friend / Kang Woo-jin (‘My Guy Friend’ OST Part. 1)

[2(↓1)] Blue Petals / Joo Ah

[3(↓1)] F*ck ha / DKM

[4(↑1)] Where is the Autumn Rain (Acoustic ver.) / Yoon Ha-im

[5(↓1)] Bambidibi! / Bambidi

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Kang Woo-jin’s OST, which hit number one within a day of its release, was now making waves in Japan.

Today, the 22nd, at 3 PM.

『”My Guy Friend,” already number one on Korean Netflix, just officially launched on Netflix Japan』

‘My Guy Friend’ had also premiered on Netflix Japan.

The next day, the 23rd, in Da Nang, Vietnam.

Around 9 AM. The air was hot and humid, and the ground was muddy in the dense forest. A dozen or so people in Korean military uniforms were running around.

“Huff! Heave!”

“Don’t stop!! Run!!”

“Damn it!! Are those bastards coming out even during the day?!”

A familiar man was seen at the very back of the group of soldiers.

“Look ahead! Keep moving your feet!”

It was top actor Ryu Jung-min. No, he was now ‘Lieutenant Choi Yu-tae’ from ‘Island of the Missing’.

At that moment.

“Cut, OK.”

A low signal was heard from where about a hundred staff members were gathered. It was the gentle voice of Director Kwon Ki-taek.

“Let’s change the composition to the back and go again.”

Ryu Jung-min and the other actors were already filming their fourth running scene. Even while Kang Woo-jin was in Korea, ‘Island of the Missing’ was in the middle of a busy filming schedule.

Around this time, in a large tent a little away from the filming zone.

“Ugh- it’s so hot. I’m going to die of dehydration while filming this movie, I swear.”

The actors waiting were resting. Several people in military uniforms could be seen. Kim Yi-won was lying down, Jeon Woo-chang was chugging water, Ha Yu-ra was using a mini fan on her face, and so on. The large tent had air conditioners running at full blast, but it was still hot.

Then, Kim Yi-won, who was lying down, suddenly brought up Kang Woo-jin.

“I envy Woo-jin, I’m so jealous.”

It seemed that Kang Woo-jin and the actors had become quite close. Soon, Ha Yu-ra, who was tall and looked good in her military uniform, and was directing the mini fan’s breeze inside her uniform top, chimed in.

“Woo-jin must be busy even in Korea, right? ‘My Guy Friend’, the OST, everything is a huge hit.”

Jeon Woo-chang was quick to reply.

“But why do you keep using honorifics with Woo-jin, noona [older sister or female friend]? Why don’t you speak casually?”

“…No, it’s just… I find Woo-jin a bit intimidating.”

“Huh? Intimidating? Ah- but when you actually talk to him, he’s just a bit reserved, but he’s nice.”

“I know, that.”

“Anyway, ‘My Guy Friend’ was fun, you know? I watched it for a bit before going to bed at the dorm yesterday, and it was so sweet I almost died.”

Kim Yi-won, who was giggling, joined in.

“Hehe. I watched ‘My Guy Friend’ too, and Woo-jin’s acting was great, wasn’t it?”

“Ah! That’s right, ‘Private First Class Jin Seon-cheol’ wasn’t even visible.”

“Every time I see his acting, I get goosebumps, you know? It’s like- his mask is different for each role, so they all seem like different people? That’s the ultimate goal of an actor, but it’s incredibly difficult.”

Ha Yu-ra, who was deep in thought, asked while crossing her long legs.

“Do you know anything about Woo-jin’s past?”

“Well? Everyone knows he’s an international student, right? Haha- when we went to a restaurant after filming last time, I almost fell for Woo-jin when he spoke English. Ah, noona. How was Woo-jin’s English, in your opinion, as someone who went to Hollywood?”

“…Why are you asking? It’s obvious that he could give Hollywood actors a run for their money. But is that international student thing for sure? He didn’t say anything himself.”

Kim Yi-won shrugged at the question.

“I don’t know. He doesn’t talk about himself much. The staff is confused whether he’s from an English-speaking country or Japan.”

At that moment.

-Swish.

The tent opened, and Director Kwon Ki-taek, wearing a safari hat, poked his head in.

“Everyone, come out. Let’s talk about the next scene.”

“Yes! We’ll get ready and go out right away!”

Director Kwon Ki-taek, who came out of the tent, gave some instructions to the assistant director and then wiped his sweat.

-♬♪

His cell phone in his pocket started ringing. Director Kwon Ki-taek was slightly surprised as soon as he saw the caller.

‘!!!’

The person calling was unusual.

‘Director Ahn Ga-bok? Why is he calling all of a sudden?’

The other party was veteran director Ahn Ga-bok, a legend in the film industry. Soon, Director Kwon Ki-taek moved to the shade of a tree behind him and put the phone to his ear.

“Yes, Director. It’s been a while.”

His tone was still gentle, but Director Kwon Ki-taek’s tone was very polite, and the old voice of Director Ahn Ga-bok on the other end of the phone was full of ease.

“Director Kwon. How have you been? We’re both so busy that we haven’t been able to see each other.”

“How is your health? I heard you were going to the hospital last year.”

“I’m just getting by, haha. Thank you. By the way, are you in Vietnam right now?”

“Yes. We’re on location abroad.”

“You must be busy. Let’s catch up when things settle down, and let’s get straight to the point.”

“Please, go ahead.”

Director Ahn Ga-bok’s question came directly through the phone.

“About Kang Woo-jin, one of the actors in your movie.”

The name of Kang Woo-jin suddenly came up, and Director Kwon Ki-taek’s eyes, which were always gentle, widened slightly.

“…Ah, yes. Director. Woo-jin is currently in Korea for a while.”

“Yes, I know. More than that, what do you think of him?”

It was a vague question, but Kwon Ki-taek, with a serious expression, immediately understood Director Ahn Ga-bok’s intention.

‘Interest. No, it’s more than that. Is he thinking of using Woo-jin for his 100th work?’

Director Kwon Ki-taek calmly stated exactly what he usually thought about Kang Woo-jin.

“If you’re asking about his level as an actor, he’s one of the best I’ve ever seen. He’ll probably show a unique presence by next year. Both in the industry and to the public.”

“…His acting.”

“I think he’s the only actor who makes me feel inadequate in my directing.”

“Are you saying he makes you doubt your directing? Kang Woo-jin is still young, isn’t he?”

“Are you talking about experience? I think Woo-jin’s greatest strength is his experience.”

“Hmm?”

“He manages to do everything flawlessly. Any role, any situation. It’s like he’s lived in the world of the character.”

Director Ahn Ga-bok was silent for a moment after hearing the answer. He spoke again a few seconds later.

“That much?”

He was asking if the praise was a bit excessive. In response, Director Kwon Ki-taek chuckled softly and replied.

“I’m actually underselling it a bit.”

Meanwhile, in Seoul, Korea.

It was around 9 AM in Vietnam, but it was late morning, around 11 AM, in Korea. At this time, at a franchise snack bar in Seoul. The store was very large, but for some reason, there were no customers, only dozens of filming crews bustling about.

Among them, PD [Production Director] Yoon Byung-sun could be seen giving instructions to the staff.

“Set up the desks for the cast first!!”

“Yes, yes! We’re going now!”

In other words, this filming crew was the team for the large variety show ‘Our Table’. Thanks to that, small cameras were installed throughout the large snack bar. Of course, there were also many VJs [Video Journalists] holding cameras in their hands.

Anyway, it seemed that the filming setup was all done.

In terms of composition, the place where PD Yoon Byung-sun, wearing glasses, was standing was the staff zone, and in front of it, a rather long white desk was visible. The names of the cast members were written on the chairs placed there.

-[Ahn Jong-hak], [Ha Kang-soo], [Hong Hye-yeon], [Kang Woo-jin], [Hwa-rin], [Yeon Baek-gwang]

A total of six amazing cast members. With them, the ‘Our Table’ team was scheduled to film for about two days. It was the ‘One-Day Restaurant’ that was mentioned before. So today, they would introduce the members, have a simple greeting and meal, and then have training sessions divided into designated parts. Tomorrow, they would be immediately put into the prepared ‘One-Day Restaurant’.

Whatever the case.

“PD-nim! Kang Woo-jin has arrived!!”

The arrival of the first cast member was announced over the entire walkie-talkie. Kang Woo-jin was the first. Soon, Woo-jin appeared, bowing politely, into the bustling snack bar. His short hair was lightly swept back, and his makeup was moderate. His outfit was a thin shirt and slacks.

“Hello-”

At his appearance, the first reaction from PD Yoon Byung-sun and the staff was a passionate ‘congratulations’.

“Woo-jin-ssi!! Your song is great!!”

“‘My Guy Friend’ was reeeally fun!!”

“Congratulations on being number one on Netflix and Melon!!”

“Because Woo-jin-ssi is doing so well, our show keeps getting mentioned too?? Congratulations, Woo-jin-ssi!”

Excessive attention and congratulations poured down. In response, Woo-jin maintained a calm demeanor and reacted appropriately.

‘Ugh- damn it. I’m grateful, but it’s embarrassing. If I start grinning, I’m screwed, seriously. Control your expression.’

He was tense. Then, while receiving congratulations, Woo-jin was fitted with a microphone by the staff. At the same time, Kang Woo-jin scanned the vast snack bar.

‘Is this the place that’s been trending a lot on Instagram lately? They say it’s cheap and has a lot of food.’

But why is the filming location a snack bar? With a question mark in his mind, Kang Woo-jin sat down in the designated cast seat. He was right in the middle. Around that time, Hwa-rin arrived. She was wearing a tight top and wide-leg jeans, and she was to the left of Kang Woo-jin. As soon as Hwa-rin, who was wearing a microphone, sat down, a pleasant fragrance wafted towards Woo-jin.

“Woo-jin-ssi, you came early.”

“Yes. It just happened.”

They didn’t really greet each other. It was natural. They had met once yesterday for ‘My Guy Friend’. Then, Hwa-rin glanced at Woo-jin and asked quietly.

“What… what part did you decide to do?”

Part? Ah- what did he take on in ‘Our Table’? Woo-jin replied in a low voice.

“The kitchen.”

“The kitchen? Are you good at cooking, Woo-jin-ssi?”

“No. Just moderately.”

Hwa-rin, who heard the answer, reacted simply, but.

“Is that so?”

She regretted it inwardly.

‘Damn it!! I should have said I’d do the kitchen too! I wanted to watch Woo-jin-nim cook next to him!!’

Woo-jin, who didn’t know this, calmly asked back.

“What about you, Hwa-rin-nim?”

“…Ah, I’m in charge of the hall and what was it… simple drink making. But do you usually like to cook, Woo-jin-ssi?”

“Not really. But I can do it.”

Their conversation was already being recorded by the ‘Our Table’ audio, and PD Yoon Byung-sun, who was watching Woo-jin and Hwa-rin with a pleased expression, said to the writers.

“Capture that two-shot from the front and side. There’s the ‘My Guy Friend’ spillover effect, and more than anything, they look good together.”

Just as the focus was on the two-shot of Kang Woo-jin and Hwa-rin, another cast member arrived at the snack bar. It was top actress Hong Hye-yeon, with long, flowing hair, wearing a lime-colored knit half-sleeve.

“Hello.”

“Oh! Hye-yeon-ssi! Welcome.”

She was also fitted with a microphone upon arrival. Meanwhile, Hong Hye-yeon focused her gaze on the long desk where the cameras were concentrated. The indifferent Kang Woo-jin and Hwa-rin were chatting.

Hong Hye-yeon paused here.

‘Do they really look that good together? What is this, really.’

She felt a strange feeling, but she quickly regained her composure and moved. Hong Hye-yeon pulled out the chair to the right of Woo-jin and greeted them both.

“Hi, hi-”

“Unnie [older sister or female friend]! Your hair looks so good today, it’s pretty!”

“Yeah, thanks. But Woo-jin-ssi.”

“Yes. Hello.”

“We’re in the same agency, right?”

“Aren’t we?”

She gave a slightly absurd snort and said as she sat down.

“Well, we’re in the same agency, but I only hear about you in the news. Please contact me, it feels like I’m the only one doing it.”

To hear Hong Hye-yeon tell him to contact her. Kang Woo-jin, you’ve really made it. Woo-jin, who was praising himself inwardly, maintained a poker face on the outside.

“Yes. But I haven’t had the time to contact you.”

“I know that… well, anyway. You heard that I’m going with you when you return to Vietnam for ‘Island of the Missing’, right?”

“Yes. I heard.”

Kang Woo-jin was returning to filming, and Hong Hye-yeon was making a cameo appearance. It felt like they were going together since they were going to Vietnam anyway.

“Is it hot in Vietnam?”

“It’s bearable.”

It wasn’t. It was like hell, but Woo-jin put on a tough act.

“Time goes by quickly too.”

“Jung-min oppa [older brother or male friend] told me not to come, it’s too hot.”

“I don’t know.”

“Hmm- but what part did you decide to do here?”

“The kitchen.”

“Ah, me too. Then we’re on the same team. They said it’s two people per team.”

“Is that so?”

In other words, Kang Woo-jin and Hong Hye-yeon were on the same team for the kitchen part. Here, Hwa-rin glanced at the two of them, and Kang Woo-jin noticed a burly man standing out among the staff in front. It was his best friend, Kim Dae-young. For some reason, he was grinning at Kang Woo-jin.

So Woo-jin cursed at him with his eyes.

‘What, you idiot.’

Kim Dae-young replied with his eyes as well.

‘Just an idiot. You look good.’

It was then.

“…Really?”

“Amazing…”

Something was happening among the dozens of staff in front, even though not all the cast members had arrived yet. They were surprised or their eyes were widening. Looking closely, Choi Sung-gun was whispering to PD Yoon Byung-sun, and the news seemed to be spreading throughout the whole area.

And then.

“Wow! There’s another congratulatory thing to announce for those two over there?! Everyone, clap!”

The entire staff suddenly started clapping.

-Clap clap clap clap clap clap clap!!

Of course, it was all being filmed, and PD Yoon Byung-sun shouted with a big smile, explaining the reason.

“Our Woo-jin-ssi and Hwa-rin-ssi’s ‘My Guy Friend’ was launched on Netflix Japan yesterday! And! It reached number one in Japan too!!”

“Wow! In Japan too!??!”

“Amazing! Something keeps exploding!!”

Really? Woo-jin, surprised inwardly, checked Choi Sung-gun, who had a ponytail and was standing next to PD Yoon Byung-sun. He smiled and gave a thumbs up. It meant it was true.

At that moment.

-Vroom, vroom.

Choi Sung-gun’s cell phone in his pocket vibrated loudly. Thanks to that, he left the noisy studio and checked the caller. It was an unknown number. Well, thinking it didn’t matter, Choi Sung-gun answered the phone.

“Yes- this is Choi Sung-gun.”

An old man’s voice was heard over the phone.

“Nice to meet you, CEO Choi. This is Director Ahn Ga-bok.”

Choi Sung-gun blinked his eyes.

“…Excuse me? Who did you say you were?”

“Director Ahn Ga-bok.”

Then, the old voice on the other end of the phone spoke again.

“I called because I want to meet actor Kang Woo-jin.”

In an instant, Choi Sung-gun’s eyes, who suddenly realized who the other party was, trembled with embarrassment.

“We… you want to meet Woo-jin?”

Director Ahn Ga-bok was the final boss of the domestic film industry.

At the same time.

October 23rd, 11:30 AM. The screening schedules for most movie theaters in Korea for this week were released. All three major film companies did so. From today, Friday, to next week, Thursday the 29th.

And among them.

[CCV]

[Wednesday, October 28th / Screening Schedule]

[2D / Drug Dealer / Not for Teenagers / Hall 5]

[9:10~11:12], [12:30~14:32], [16:30~18:32], [20:10~22:42], [23:10~25:37]

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[2D / Drug Dealer / Not for Teenagers / Hall 5]

[9:30~11:32], [12:50~14:52], [16:50~18:52], [19:30~21:32]

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‘Drug Dealer’ was also included.

End