I was Mistaken as a Monstrous Genius Actor [EN]: Chapter 166

The bulldog, muttering about 200 million or 300 million, was none other than CEO Seo Gu-seop, who actually hadn’t had a great first meeting with Kang Woo-jin. He had lost everything related to the ‘Mise-en-scène Film Festival’ [a short film festival] because of Kang Woo-jin’s appearance.

Of course, that was just CEO Seo Gu-seop’s opinion.

Anyway, after that, Kang Woo-jin had risen meteorically, so much so that the word ‘crazy’ seemed fitting, and all CEO Seo Gu-seop of GGO Entertainment could do was watch.

‘Honestly, it’s been annoying all along; he should have appeared more often.’

Even after the ‘Mise-en-scène Film Festival,’ Kang Woo-jin’s issues kept popping up endlessly. From ‘The Playboy’ to the recent ‘Drug Dealer’ in Japan. CEO Seo Gu-seop was even taken aback; even he, the head of the large corporation GGO Entertainment, had never witnessed an actor like Kang Woo-jin before.

He was a businessman.

A figure who led a mega-entertainment company in this jungle-like entertainment industry. So, at this point, it was natural for him to be greedy for Kang Woo-jin rather than attack him. But there was no opening.

The funny thing was.

‘A one-year contract? This changes things.’

A completely unexpected opportunity had opened up. With this, the bulldog CEO Seo Gu-seop’s mind was filled with thoughts of acquiring Kang Woo-jin.

‘Just a 300 million contract fee. Separate additional bonuses. This should be enough to get his attention.’

The contract fee for a top actor at the highest level is roughly between 500 million and 1 billion. A contract fee of 300 million with other bonuses was a considerable offer. Something that a rookie could never get, no matter how hard they tried.

Then, CEO Seo Gu-seop met eyes with the executives in front of him.

“Does everyone know?”

“Yes?”

“I’m talking about Kang Woo-jin. Looking at this guy from his debut until now, he hasn’t failed at anything he’s touched.”

“Ah—now that you mention it.”

“He’s strangely lucky.”

The smile on the bulldog CEO Seo Gu-seop’s face deepened as he gave instructions.

“Since it’s so openly out there, everyone from the big agencies to the small-time entertainment companies will be rushing at Kang Woo-jin. That guy is a bit different from the usual actors; every path he takes is explosive. So, make sure to keep track of the entertainment companies’ movements.”

“Understood, CEO!”

Greed and desire filled the air.

“We have to bring Kang Woo-jin in this time, no matter what.”

At this time, inside a white van driving on the road.

Hwa-rin, who was on her way to the salon, had a bare face with little to no makeup. Regardless, she kept looking down at her phone.

What she was looking at was Kang Woo-jin’s fan club, ‘Strong Heart’.

-[Official/Welcome to Kang Woo-jin’s official fan cafe ‘Strong Heart’!]

-Representative Manager: Blood-related Woman.

The ‘Strong Heart’ fan cafe was currently flooded with more posts than usual. The reason was simple.

‘Wow, there are posts every second… Well, I was surprised too when I saw the article about Woo-jin’s one-year contract.’

It was naturally because of the recent article about Kang Woo-jin. Normally, a rookie’s contract expiration wouldn’t be news, but if the main character was Kang Woo-jin, it was more than understandable, and Hwa-rin felt the same way.

‘But is it real? Ugh, I’m so curious! I can’t just ask him directly.’

Even Hwa-rin’s agency, JML Entertainment, had heard the news and was moving to recruit Kang Woo-jin. Whatever the case, the ‘Kang Woo-jin’s contract expiration’ issue had suddenly risen among entertainment companies in the entertainment industry.

Because of this, Hwa-rin felt a bit uneasy.

‘If—if Woo-jin joined our company, it would be so, so great… but then I think about Hye-yeon unnie [an honorific term for older sister or female friend], and it’s not. Ugh, I don’t know.’

If Kang Woo-jin joined the same agency, it would be a boost to her expanded fangirling, but Hwa-rin was also thinking about her close friend, Hong Hye-yeon.

Then.

-♬♪

The phone in her hand rang. What was unusual was the caller ID on the screen.

“Huh?”

The caller was strangely CEO Choi Sung-gun. What was it? Hwa-rin, wondering, first cleared her throat and then put the phone to her ear.

“Yes, hello, CEO.”

Her voice made the staff, including the chief manager in the van, turn their attention to her, and Choi Sung-gun’s calm voice was heard from the other end of Hwa-rin’s phone.

“Hello, Hwa-rin. I’m sorry for calling so suddenly.”

“Ah, it’s okay, please speak.”

“It’s not about anything else. I have a casting request regarding Woo-jin’s ‘Kang Woo-jin’s Sub-Character’ channel.”

Hwa-rin’s eyes immediately lit up. It was because of her favorite’s huge YouTube channel.

“…A casting request? Is it perhaps a cover song duet or something?”

“No. This is still confidential, but new content will be added to the ‘Kang Woo-jin’s Sub-Character’ channel.”

“Not vocals? What is it?”

“As you know from doing ‘Our Table’ with Woo-jin, we’re thinking of doing cooking content. Woo-jin recommended Hwa-rin as the first guest.”

In that instant, Hwa-rin’s heart swelled.

‘I, I’m going crazy.’

During the ‘Our Table’ one-day restaurant shoot, Hwa-rin had already tasted Kang Woo-jin’s cooking. And she had fallen for him even more. And she could see it one-on-one? Hwa-rin, who wanted to jump up and down, tried her best to hide her excitement.

“Really? But can you give me a hint about what kind of content it is?”

“Of course.”

Choi Sung-gun’s explanation began from the other end of the phone. It wasn’t detailed, but it included the key points. A one-on-one talk with Woo-jin, and Kang Woo-jin would cook the dish she wanted himself. And then they would eat the finished dish together.

‘Th-th-this is, it’s the same as a date!’

For Hwa-rin, whose fan spirit was like a religion, it was like a blessing. Perhaps that’s why her answer, with slightly widened eyes, was quick.

“I’ll do it.”

The chubby chief manager sitting in the passenger seat mouthed.

‘What is it? What did she agree to do?’

Regardless, Hwa-rin continued to speak to Choi Sung-gun on the phone.

“It’s close to my break anyway, so it’s definitely possible.”

“Hahaha, thank you. Then, can we adjust the schedule to fit Woo-jin’s?”

“I’ll have to talk to the company, but it should be possible.”

“Then I’ll contact you about the schedule. I just wanted to ask about Hwa-rin’s intentions first.”

“I’m grateful, being invited to a 5 million YouTube channel.”

“Then I’ll see you at the shoot—”

“Yes, CEO.”

Hwa-rin, who had answered calmly, slowly lowered her phone. At the same time, the chief manager asked urgently.

“Hey, what schedule did you just make??”

Hwa-rin didn’t answer him and was internally excited as if the world was about to end.

‘Kyaa!! How!! This is so great?! Woo-jin is going to cook a meal just for me?!! What should I say I want to eat??!!’

Later.

The news of Kang Woo-jin’s contract expiration, which had broken two days ago, spread rapidly through the entertainment news as time went on.

『’Kang Woo-jin’s’ One-Year Contract? Domestic Entertainment Companies Stirred by the Sudden News』

『[Star Issue] ‘Kang Woo-jin’s One-Year Contract Rumor’ Spreads Rapidly in the Entertainment Industry, Even the Contract Details Revealed First?』

The media, which had initially been hesitant, was now publishing articles with an almost certain tone.

『Will Ultra-Monster Rookie ‘Kang Woo-jin’ Leave BW Entertainment Like This? BW Entertainment Remains Silent』

It quickly became widespread. Kang Woo-jin’s influence was already enormous, and more than anything, the keyword ‘one-year contract’ itself was novel. A monster rookie who had shaken Korea and Japan had a contract period of only one year? That kind of feeling.

Speculation, rumors, and exaggerations were all being amplified arbitrarily.

『[Issue Check] Kang Woo-jin’s Contract Expiration, Focus on His Future in Next Year’s FA Market [Free Agent Market]』

Kang Woo-jin had another ‘first’ title added to his name. There had never been a one-year contract in the entertainment industry. However, this wasn’t an intentional issue. Well, it wouldn’t mean anything for an unknown actor, but if the person in question was Kang Woo-jin, it was an issue that was worth selling.

This matter gradually appeared all over the internet.

On YouTube, many issue YouTubers were amplifying the situation by spreading various rumors, and public opinion on communities and social media was also busy chattering arbitrarily.

-???Huh????

-ㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋOne-year contractㅋㅋㅋㅋThis is 100% a rumorㅋㅋㅋㅋ

-Isn’t a rookie’s contract at least 5 years???

-BW Entertainment isn’t stupid, and even though it’s small, it’s still where Hong Hye-yeon isㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ?

-Is it this bastard again??

-But if this is realㅋㅋㅋㅋDomestic entertainment companies will be rushing in like crazyㅋㅋㅋㅋ

-Kang Woo-jin, this guy never has a quiet day

-This could be something that Kang Woo-jin intentionally leaked

-Kang Woo-jinㅋㅋㅋㅋFrom an entertainment company’s perspective, he’s a very desirable propertyㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ

More agitated than the media and public opinion were the numerous domestic entertainment companies.

“Is there a way to confirm the conditions that Choi Sung-gun offered when he first signed with Kang Woo-jin?”

“It’s difficult.”

“Hmm—then we have no choice but to speculate and make an offer. Is that ready? Kang Woo-jin’s market value.”

“Yes, CEO. Looking at this year alone, he’s at a level that can be considered top-tier. From his debut in Japan to everything he’s achieved so far, it’s beyond imagination.”

“The people around him are all big shots. This won’t even get a sniff without a contract fee in the hundreds of millions.”

“Probably.”

“But is the confirmation of Kang Woo-jin’s contact information still not done??”

From large to medium and small companies. The movements of the entertainment companies were bustling.

“Why is it so hard to estimate the value of Kang Woo-jin’s appearances in works??!”

“Th-that’s because Kang Woo-jin rose so quickly before enough data could accumulate.”

“Still, there must be some rumors circulating in the market! Yes, ‘Island of the Lost’! Dig into that! We need to offer an amount that makes sense, even if we’re just trying to get a foot in the door!”

“I’ll check right away!!”

In meetings and conferences, Kang Woo-jin’s name was always mentioned.

“Why is it taking so long to find out Kang Woo-jin’s contact information!”

“Kang Woo-jin himself has very little information to begin with!”

“You can dig into the works he’s been in! Start by poking around the staff or actors who have connections with Kang Woo-jin!”

“Yes, yes, CEO!”

“Move quickly! Other entertainment companies might have already contacted Kang Woo-jin!”

This atmosphere was similar throughout the entire entertainment industry, not just the entertainment companies. Film companies, production companies, and even people in various broadcasting stations were talking about Kang Woo-jin.

“I heard the entertainment companies are going crazy trying to get Kang Woo-jin?”

“I’d be the same; I saw an article that said the biggest interest is how many awards Kang Woo-jin will win at the end of the year.”

“Well, Kang Woo-jin really dominated this year. But why did that talented Choi Sung-gun write a one-year contract?”

“How would I know? Anyway, with this atmosphere, it’s obvious that big entertainment companies will come running with money, and Kang Woo-jin’s agency will probably change next year??”

There was no better topic to discuss. Of course, Kang Woo-jin’s parents, his childhood friend, the staff who had worked or would work with Woo-jin, and the big shots that everyone acknowledged were also interested in this news.

In particular, the actors who knew Kang Woo-jin were even more curious. For example, the actors from ‘Island of the Lost’.

“Hyung [an honorific term for older brother or male friend], have you heard anything from Woo-jin? You’re quite close to him.”

“Whether we’re close or not, Woo-jin isn’t the type to talk about things in detail.”

“But a one-year contract is really novel, isn’t it? Our company is also holding meetings to get Woo-jin. They’re about to come to the set. They’re barely holding back because of Director Kwon.”

At the same time, a small snowball of misunderstanding was created.

“But if the media is making this much noise, Woo-jin should be taking some action, but it seems like he’s not paying any attention at all?”

“What would he gain by making noise here? It’s just playing out like a period for re-evaluating his worth. At this timing, the answer is to keep your mouth shut.”

The top actors were making predictions like pros.

“Ah, that’s true. At times like this, it’s all about what you can get.”

“You have to raise your value when the stage is set, you know that, Woo-chang.”

The excitement was excessive. The news even reached Japan, where Kang Woo-jin was being closely watched.

『’Boyfriend’s’ 「Kang Woo-jin」 One-Year Contract News Causes a Stir in Korea』

However, Kang Woo-jin didn’t react in any way.

14th morning, Buyeo.

The large set complex of ‘Island of the Lost’. After the overseas location shoot, the domestic filming of ‘Island of the Lost’ was already in full swing. Therefore, the outside parking lot of the complex was filled with numerous mini-buses and vans. Among them, Kang Woo-jin’s van was also visible.

What was unusual was.

“Hmm—”

Inside the van, only Kang Woo-jin was alone, dressed in a military uniform. The reason was simple. He was the first to be put into the first scene of today’s filming, and Woo-jin was currently waiting because the filming set was being prepared.

Choi Sung-gun and other staff members would be on set.

Whatever the case, Kang Woo-jin was buried in his seat, touching his phone. These days, he would search his name whenever he was bored. It was fun to see so many things pour out when he typed Kang Woo-jin into the search engine.

What Woo-jin was looking at was an article on a topic that had been constantly in the news recently.

『Kang Woo-jin’s One-Year Contract Expiration? Entertainment Companies are Heating Up, But Kang Woo-jin Remains Silent, Is He Raising His Price?』

Kang Woo-jin, who had been checking the content, snorted inwardly.

‘Bullshit, raising my price my ass. I don’t even have any thoughts.’

It was true. Kang Woo-jin wasn’t deeply contemplating things like the media or public opinion was saying. It was a picture of the person in question being quiet while the surroundings were going crazy. For Kang Woo-jin, ‘contract renewal’ was also a first experience.

However, only Kang Woo-jin himself knew this.

Choi Sung-gun had only said, ‘Think about it carefully, let’s talk separately soon.’ But Kang Woo-jin didn’t have anything to think about. It was already a decision he had made.

‘I don’t know, tsk. If I leave it alone, it’ll quiet down on its own.’

Besides, he had too much to do. Today was a full day of filming for ‘Island of the Lost’, and exactly two days later, on the 16th, he had to go to Japan again.

Why?

The official script reading for ‘The Courtesan’ was scheduled for the 16th. Therefore, he would be filming ‘Island of the Lost’ until right before, and then he would go to Japan for the script reading and stay for about 3 days due to other schedules.

‘But do they usually do script readings at top-class hotels? I looked it up, and the hotel is huge. Well, anyway, I’m finally going to see the Japanese actors?’

At this point, Kang Woo-jin’s heart began to beat faintly. On the other hand, he also felt comfortable. It was amazing to see top Japanese actors for the first time, but that unfamiliarity actually made Kang Woo-jin feel at ease.

Still, acting with Japanese actors was still nerve-wracking.

What would they be like? Would they be different from Korean actors? How would they see me? Are they good at acting? How famous are they? He had heard rumors about which actors had been cast, but Woo-jin’s knowledge of the entertainment industry wasn’t deep enough to know the top actors of other countries.

I don’t know, whatever. I’ll find out when I get there.

Soon, Kang Woo-jin, who had changed the topic of his thoughts, put down the phone he was looking at. There was still no sign of anyone coming to pick him up. Thanks to that, Woo-jin picked up a stack of papers next to him. It was the ‘Leech’ scenario that the old spirit grandfather, no, Director Ahn Ga-bok, had given him a few days ago.

-Flap.

Kang Woo-jin began to look at the scenario. He had been reading it whenever he had time, not just now, so Woo-jin had currently read about 30% of the ‘Leech’ scenario.

At that moment.

-Vroom.

Woo-jin’s phone vibrated briefly, and he checked the phone screen while keeping his eyes on the scenario. It was a text message that had arrived. But it was from an unsaved number. Woo-jin, tilting his head, checked the content.

-Hello, Kang Woo-jin. I am Kim Nam-tae, the CEO of BHM Entertainment. I am contacting you so suddenly to ask if you could spare some time to meet, even if it’s just for a moment……

It was a text message from the CEO of some random entertainment company. Kang Woo-jin blinked his eyes.

“What is this.”

A text message with a nuance of asking to meet.

“How did they get my number.”

But.

-Vroom.

The text message wasn’t the end of it.

-Kang Woo-jin! Hello! We are contacting you from JML Entertainment! Is it possible for you to have a call?

Another text message arrived from a similar but different entertainment company. Woo-jin’s eyebrows narrowed at this. What was funny was.

-Vroom.

-Vroom.

They were arriving not just as text messages but also as KakaoTalk messages [a popular messaging app]. At least 5 messages had just arrived in a row. In an instant, Kang Woo-jin recalled a similar experience.

“Ah, that’s right. During ‘The Playboy’ reading.”

Just as Woo-jin was remembering the business cards he had received from numerous entertainment companies, the phone vibrated again.

-Vroom, Vroom.

This time it was a call. Of course, it was an unsaved number. Kang Woo-jin was wondering what it was, but he answered the phone just in case.

“Yes, hello.”

From the other end of the phone, a confident male voice was heard.

“Oh, Kang Woo-jin. Nice to meet you? I’m Seo Gu-seop from GGO Entertainment. Do you have time for a quick call?”

However, Kang Woo-jin’s voice, with a heavy expression, was low and full of coldness.

“No.”

He didn’t seem to remember Seo Gu-seop or anything else.