I was Mistaken as a Monstrous Genius Actor [EN]: Chapter 155

Kim Do-hee, the director whose hair was even more disheveled than usual, widened her eyes as she checked the domestic box office rankings on the laptop.

“…Number 1. ‘Drug Dealer’ is number 1 right now? Really? Am I seeing things?”

She muttered, slightly dazed, but the production company and distribution staff around her were in a similar state.

“Yes, Director. It… it looks like number 1 to me too.”

“Me too.”

“L-Let’s refresh it. It might be an error.”

As if that could be the case. The staff member operating the laptop pressed the refresh button. But the result was the same.

“It’s number 1, Director. It’s correct.”

From this point, the production and distribution staff began to accept reality.

“Hahaha! I knew the results would be good! But number 1 right away!”

“What did I tell you?!! Wow—number 1 just one day after release! It’s been a while since I’ve seen that!!”

“Director! Congratulations!! ‘Drug Dealer’ has swept away all the movies released on the same day! Haha, and ‘Drug Dealer’ is rated R!”

“Isn’t this going to be a huge hit?!”

They started jumping around and making a fuss. It almost looked like a frenzy. That’s how elated they were. Well, it was understandable. ‘Drug Dealer’ had pushed aside many movies. Those that had already been released and were gaining momentum, those considered competitors on the same day, and even highly anticipated films. ‘Drug Dealer’ had crushed them all and proudly taken the top spot.

It was just one day, but number 1 was number 1.

The strange thing was.

“Really? Seriously?”

Director Kim Do-hee, on the other hand, still looked like she was in a dream. She knew the limitations of R-rated movies all too well. No matter how many top actors like Jin Jae-joon or how much buzz Kang Woo-jin created, the audience was limited to adults, which meant the potential reach would inevitably be smaller.

But as if to say, “Screw that,” the flame of ‘Drug Dealer’ burned fiercely.

At that moment.

“…We might actually cause a sensation.”

Director Kim Do-hee vaguely felt that ‘Drug Dealer’ would mark a new chapter in R-rated movies. Something, she didn’t know what, but the momentum was extraordinary.

Whatever it was.

“Articles.”

“Yes?!”

“Release the articles! And the promotional videos we prepared for YouTube, and the SNS pledge events too!!”

Director Kim Do-hee shouted urgently. In response, the production and distribution staff suppressed their exploding joy.

“Understood! Articles first!”

“We’ll take care of the SNS side!”

“We’ll contact the actors right away!!”

They quickly began to move. They had to let the world know about this reversal of fortune as soon as possible.

However.

“Look at this! The reporters have already caught wind of it and are moving!!”

The media was already releasing articles.

『[Movie Talk] ‘Drug Dealer’ Draws 250,000 Even on Weekdays… Number 1 at the Box Office!』

『‘Drug Dealer’ Opens with 250,000… ‘Breaks 6 Records’』

They had been watching all along. In other words, they had been waiting. ‘Drug Dealer’ itself was a hot topic, but more than anything, it included Kang Woo-jin, who had just come off the success of ‘My Best Friend.’ He was called a monster of acting, so even the slightest flaw would have been criticized without hesitation.

However.

『‘Drug Dealer’ Explodes with Number 1 at the Box Office on Opening Day』

『[Issue Talk] ‘R-Rated’ Drug Dealer Defeats Competitor ‘Monster Priest’ Released on the Same Day』

It was hard to find media outlets criticizing the hot ‘Han In-ho’ and the cold ‘Lee Sang-man’ [referring to the characters in the movie].

『‘Drug Dealer’ is a Hit! Draws 250,000 on Opening Day… Reviews Say “Could Only See Kang Woo-jin”』

He was a cameo with a leading-role presence.

Back in Da Nang, Vietnam.

Director Ahn Ga-bok had suddenly appeared out of nowhere. Hong Hye-yeon looked at him, wondering what was going on. And when she asked why he was here, he said he just came for a vacation.

“…Y-You came for a vacation?”

“Well, yeah. I came for a vacation.”

He certainly looked the part. Comfortable clothes, shorts, and slippers. It was like he had just come back from the supermarket. But it was clear that the old man was Ahn Ga-bok, a legend in the Korean film industry.

What were the odds of meeting him by chance in Da Nang, Vietnam?

Suddenly, Hong Hye-yeon sensed something was off. Yes, Director Ahn Ga-bok could come to Vietnam for a vacation. But why Da Nang, where ‘Island of the Missing’ was filming overseas? And why the same hotel?

‘Could it be… he came to see one of the actors from ‘Island of the Missing’? Or maybe Director Kwon?’

No, the chances of him coming to see Director Kwon Ki-taek were low. They were seniors and juniors, but not close friends. Then was it an actor? Then Hong Hye-yeon’s widened eyes slowly moved. Towards Kang Woo-jin, who was standing there nonchalantly.

At that moment.

“People are looking at us strangely. Let’s sit down. Let’s talk while sitting.”

Director Ahn Ga-bok slowly sat down. Hong Hye-yeon also sat down, and Kang Woo-jin sat next to Director Ahn Ga-bok. His face was calm. Just like usual.

However.

‘Why is this old man—no, this director here?!’

Inside, question marks were popping up like crazy. Director Ahn Ga-bok. A legend or living history of the Korean film industry. Woo-jin had heard that name from Choi Sung-gun a few days ago. And now, that legend was sitting right in front of him.

Wearing slippers.

‘But looking at him like this, he’s just like the old man next door, not a legend or anything? Yeah, he’s familiar.’

Soon, Woo-jin’s slightly excited heart cooled down. Honestly, it wasn’t as shocking as it was for Hong Hye-yeon. At times like this, Woo-jin thought his ordinary nature was helpful.

-Swoosh.

He bowed politely and respectfully to Director Ahn Ga-bok.

“Nice to meet you, Director. I’m Kang Woo-jin.”

Director Ahn Ga-bok, who was casually picking up a sausage with a fork, replied leisurely.

“I know, how could I not? Nice to meet you too.”

“You can speak comfortably.”

“Really? Haha, but we just met, so I shouldn’t. Oh—by the way, the food here is good.”

He was relaxed. As expected of an old master. It was natural. He had directed 99 films. Director Ahn Ga-bok, chewing on a sausage, asked Hong Hye-yeon across from him.

“I watched ‘The Tramp’ well. Your acting has improved a lot.”

“T-Thank you. I’m still lacking.”

“Why are you still the same when you know? I’m talking about your similar breathing technique in every situation.”

“……”

“Why are you still holding onto what I told you? Hmm? Are you settling at the top?”

Top actress Hong Hye-yeon was suddenly being scolded. She had once appeared as a minor character in Director Ahn Ga-bok’s film. The criticism about her acting had come up then.

“Your acting is rushed. Your lines are neat, but if the breathing that supports them is unstable, your strengths will fade.”

“I’ll… I’ll try harder.”

“I’m saying it’s a shame.”

Director Ahn Ga-bok, the old master with a faint smile, put down his fork and turned his head to Kang Woo-jin.

“It was strange.”

What was? Anyone could see that the old man’s appearance was the strangest thing right now? Woo-jin, hiding his true feelings, answered calmly.

“Are you talking about my acting?”

“No. The ‘Sports Day’ video.”

“…‘Sports Day’?”

“Yes. I saw different glints in your eyes from moment to moment. It was different from your eyes now. Relatively lighter? But the eyes you had while acting were all those of the character.”

“……”

Kang Woo-jin was slightly nervous, though he didn’t show it. Lighter eyes? Could he have really seen through my true self? Does this old man have some kind of ability?? Regardless, Director Ahn Ga-bok’s old voice continued.

“Method acting. To be more precise, you know how to handle method acting. When did you learn how to freely switch your personas?”

High-level words were pouring out. Woo-jin focused his mind. The old man in front of him was a spirit. So, let’s put a booster on the concept.

“I don’t remember such things one by one.”

“Memory. Are you saying you act with memory? You record the characters you face. That’s why your emotional switch is fast.”

“……”

“It’s a unique acting method, so it’s even stranger.”

Director Ahn Ga-bok, who was smiling gently, picked up his coffee cup and changed the subject.

“Why did you learn sign language?”

“I don’t really give meaning to learning things.”

“Your attitude is national treasure-level. I saw that you know Korean and Japanese sign language, do you know others?”

“A little bit of American too.”

A moment of silence. Hong Hye-yeon was just watching their conversation, and Director Ahn Ga-bok was staring at Kang Woo-jin’s eyes. To be precise, it was a gaze that seemed to be digging into him. It lasted for about 10 seconds.

-Clack.

Director Ahn Ga-bok put on his hat and sunglasses and got up from his seat.

“I’ve finished eating. Thanks for the company.”

He also greeted Hong Hye-yeon.

“Nice to see you too. Ah, you two are filming Director Kwon’s film around here, right?”

“Ah—yes, Director.”

“Hmm. I might drop by while I’m out for a walk.”

It was at this moment.

“Woo-jin!”

Choi Sung-gun, with his ponytail, came running into the restaurant.

“The box office results are out! ‘Drug Dealer’ is number 1… Huh?”

He stopped as soon as he saw Director Ahn Ga-bok standing there. He looked like he had seen a ghost.

“A-Ahn Ga-bok, Director?!”

“Yes. CEO Choi. I see you here. What a coincidence.”

“…Coincidence?”

Choi Sung-gun, filled with bewilderment, was confused. No, why was Director Ahn Ga-bok here? And he was meeting Kang Woo-jin.

‘C-Could it be he came to see Woo-jin?’

No, that couldn’t be. Choi Sung-gun had definitely talked to Director Ahn Ga-bok on the phone. But would that mega-celebrity come all the way to Vietnam just for Kang Woo-jin? At this point, Choi Sung-gun suddenly came to his senses.

Whatever it was, he had to greet him properly first.

“Ah! Hello!”

“Haha. Why so formal? Well, I should be going.”

“Yes?”

Director Ahn Ga-bok, passing by Choi Sung-gun, spoke in his old voice again.

“CEO Choi, let’s contact each other later.”

“O-Okay, Director.”

Director Ahn Ga-bok, dragging his slippers, leisurely left the restaurant. Choi Sung-gun, staring blankly at his back, turned his head and asked Kang Woo-jin and Hong Hye-yeon.

“What, what were you talking about with Director Ahn Ga-bok! No, why is he here?!”

The answer came quickly from Hong Hye-yeon, who was letting out a relieved sigh.

“He said he came for a vacation.”

“What? A vacation?”

Then, Kang Woo-jin answered in a low voice.

“Yes, he said he came for a vacation.”

“That doesn’t make sense.”

Choi Sung-gun, muttering to himself, fixed his gaze on Kang Woo-jin’s indifferent face.

‘Coming for a vacation is just a cover. Judging by the timing and the situation, he definitely came to see Woo-jin. Wow, Director Ahn Ga-bok came all the way to Vietnam himself.’

Of course, Hong Hye-yeon was also looking at Woo-jin across from her.

‘The questions he asked Woo-jin… they didn’t feel like they were just casual. Sign language? Why did he ask about sign language? Anyway, it’s more likely to be Woo-jin than the other actors. Has he already seen Woo-jin’s acting? Or is he planning to see it now?’

She also sensed it.

‘…Could it be that he’s planning to use Woo-jin for his 100th film?’

At the same time, at the ‘Island of the Missing’ filming site in Da Nang.

In the dense forest. Hundreds of ‘Island of the Missing’ staff were busy preparing for filming in a large tent. It was natural since the standby was at 9 am in a few tens of minutes. The first scene today was scheduled to be with Ryu Jung-min, Ha Yu-ra, and Kim Yi-won only.

Therefore, Kang Woo-jin and Jeon Woo-chang were not on set.

The actors, including Ryu Jung-min, were busy preparing for filming in the makeup tent. Makeup, military uniform changes, and light script rehearsals, etc.

Meanwhile.

“Hmm-”

Director Kwon Ki-taek, looking relaxed, was seen outside the tent. His short-sleeved shirt was slightly wet with sweat. Director Kwon Ki-taek was quietly watching the hundreds of staff running around and the set being prepared. As the general manager, it wasn’t strange for him to oversee everything, but Director Kwon Ki-taek was currently lost in thought.

Specifically, he was recalling his meeting with Director Ahn Ga-bok, who had suddenly appeared in Vietnam a few days ago.

The location was a cafe near the hotel.

Director Ahn Ga-bok’s first words to Director Kwon Ki-taek, who had appeared after filming, were simple.

“Would it be okay if I took a look at your set?”

“Of course. But is it true that the actor you want to see is Woo-jin?”

“Well. Let’s just say I’m going to see all the actors.”

“Understood. For now, Woo-jin has returned. Filming will start tomorrow at noon.”

“No. When is the group shot scheduled? The day when all the actors are filming together.”

“Hmm—the filming with everyone together will be in a few days.”

“Then let’s do it then. It’s better to make up an excuse for the actors.”

“Would it be better to say that you came for sightseeing and dropped by?”

Director Ahn Ga-bok smiled as if it was the right answer.

“That’s right. I came for a vacation, that’s good. But can you tell me the role that Kang Woo-jin is playing?”

Director Kwon Ki-taek also smiled.

“If you’re going to see it anyway, wouldn’t it be more impactful to see it directly? It’s no fun if you hear it beforehand.”

“Haha. Okay, let’s keep the anticipation.”

“It’s a role that’s worth it.”

At this point, Director Kwon Ki-taek, who had returned to reality at the ‘Island of the Missing’ filming site, muttered quietly.

“A group shot—does he want to see his form when he’s mixed with all the actors?”

He slowly turned and entered the large tent where the actors were. Ryu Jung-min, Ha Yu-ra, and Kim Yi-won, who were busy preparing for filming, made eye contact with Director Kwon Ki-taek.

“Ah, Director. We’re almost done.”

“I’m done, should I go out first?”

“I’m almost done too.”

However, Director Kwon Ki-taek’s answer was different.

“No. You can take your time. Rather, it seems like we’ll have a guest on the day of the group shot in a few days.”

Ha Yu-ra, who was putting on her military uniform top, was the first to ask.

“A guest? Who is it?”

Ryu Jung-min and Kim Yi-won also looked at Director Kwon Ki-taek, as if they had the same question, and Director Kwon Ki-taek answered gently and simply.

“Director Ahn Ga-bok.”

The entire cast was extremely shocked.

“…Y-Yes?!”

“Director Ahn Ga-bok? Suddenly?!”

“Is the real Director Ahn Ga-bok coming here?!”

In response.

“Well, he said he came to Vietnam for a vacation and is just dropping by.”

Director Kwon Ki-taek smiled warmly.

“It seems like he’s going to watch the filming for a bit.”

The top actors were speechless.

Later, a few tens of minutes later.

Director Ahn Ga-bok was sitting alone at a table in a luxurious hotel room. He had a thoughtful expression on his face.

“……”

Was it because of Kang Woo-jin, whom he had met earlier? It wasn’t clear, but he was quietly silent with his chin resting on his hand. At that moment.

-Knock knock.

A knock echoed. Soon, Director Ahn Ga-bok, who had gotten up, opened the door, and a familiar man in his late 40s entered. He was the person who had talked to Director Ahn Ga-bok about Kang Woo-jin before. In fact, he was the CEO of a film company. He smiled and asked Director Ahn Ga-bok.

“Shall we have breakfast, Director?”

On the other hand, Director Ahn Ga-bok, who had sat back down in his chair, shook his head.

“No. I already ate. You and the staff go ahead.”

“Yes? You already had breakfast? When did you have it??”

“A little while ago. I went for a walk and had breakfast.”

“You should have told us! Did you go alone, that’s dangerous?”

“What’s dangerous? It’s not like I’ve never been to Vietnam before. It was nice to think about the times I filmed in the past.”

Then, Director Ahn Ga-bok changed the subject, crossing his arms.

“More importantly, I met Kang Woo-jin.”

“Oh? You saw him??! You said you would see him during filming.”

“I saw him before breakfast, so I talked to him. He was with Hong Hye-yeon.”

“Hong Hye-yeon too… it must have been sudden for them. They must have been quite surprised.”

Director Ahn Ga-bok, with a wrinkled smile, shook his head.

“Not really. They looked at me like I was some old man in the back room.”

“W-Who? Hong Hye-yeon wouldn’t do that! Did Kang Woo-jin do that?! How rude!”

“No. Why are you making such a fuss? I’m just saying they didn’t think much of it. He has a strong core. He’s an actor with a unique color. I’ve never seen such a color before. But you know…”

Director Ahn Ga-bok, trailing off, recalled Kang Woo-jin and said calmly.

“I sense that he’s hiding his true self.”