I Was Mistaken As A Monstrous Genius Actor [EN]: Chapter 173

Chairman Hideki’s smile was a roadmap of wrinkles as he observed Choi Sung-gun, ponytail and all. Yet, his demeanor wasn’t that of a frail old man. Age had etched itself onto him, but beneath it lay the aura of a predator. Choi Sung-gun, sitting across from him, felt it intensely, no matter what anyone else might say.

‘…What in the world is this guy talking about?!’

This was completely unexpected. It was absurd, wasn’t it? The head of a major Japanese conglomerate—not even a Korean one—suddenly wanting to invest in BW Entertainment. Even Choi Sung-gun, known for his flexible thinking, was utterly flustered. He needed to process this, but his mind felt like it was short-circuiting.

His thoughts kept getting blocked.

Yes, in times like these, stalling was the best course of action. Choi Sung-gun first sought confirmation from Chairman Hideki, who was seated at the head of the five-person sofa. Getting a clear answer was crucial.

“Investment? Are you saying you want to make a personal investment? In our BW Entertainment?”

The question was relayed to Chairman Hideki through the interpreter, and he nodded slowly, his smile unwavering.

“That’s exactly what I said. Personal. Meaning, not as the Kashii Group. I’m proposing this investment as an individual, separate from the group.”

In short, it was Chairman Yoshimura Hideki’s unilateral decision. However, even if he phrased it that way, the Kashii Group was essentially Hideki’s. There was no way they were truly unrelated. Either way, Choi Sung-gun found it hard to wrap his head around.

‘First of all, the fact that he knows BW Entertainment is aiming for expansion is concerning. How? Why does Chairman Hideki know about this?’

He was meeting Chairman Hideki for the first time today. If it weren’t for Kang Woo-jin’s ‘Nakkisaeng’ [a Japanese term referring to a specific type of performance or role], he would never have met someone from another world. And yet, Chairman Hideki knew about BW Entertainment’s situation, which was like a small corner store in Korea? No matter how much he pondered it, it didn’t add up. Anyone else would dismiss it as utter nonsense.

But that nonsense was unfolding right before his eyes.

Choi Sung-gun wanted to investigate the situation and understand it clearly, but demanding a detailed explanation from Chairman Hideki right away would make him look foolish. He tried his best to regain his composure. The other party’s status was undeniable, and the scent of opportunity was strong.

However.

‘If I just grin and accept this, I might look like an idiot.’

Choi Sung-gun remained polite but didn’t lower his posture too much. He could sense the ambition radiating from Chairman Hideki.

“It’s a very generous offer. However, BW Entertainment is already in talks with several investors in Korea.”

“I would expect so.”

“We’re still considering our options, so it’s not easy to make a decision on the spot.”

Chairman Hideki, after hearing the translation, nodded slowly.

“Of course, I understand.”

“I have just one question. Frankly, this situation is a bit bewildering for me. I apologize, but why are you interested in our BW Entertainment?”

Chairman Hideki’s answer, delivered with composure, was immediate.

“It’s because of actor Kang Woo-jin.”

So that was it? Choi Sung-gun had suspected as much, but he pressed further.

“I know his value better than anyone. But there are many aspects that haven’t been revealed to the public, and in Japan, Kang Woo-jin is still just a popular Korean actor.”

“Are you saying it’s strange for me to make a move for a foreign actor?”

“Yes. Of course, I could understand it as part of the group’s cultural marketing, but you said it was personal.”

“Hmm. I suppose so. Perhaps there will be no such case in the past or future.”

Chairman Hideki, after muttering to himself, picked up the teacup in front of him.

“Today, after seeing Mr. Kang Woo-jin in person, I became certain. His acting, his charm, the aura he possesses. I can’t help but be drawn to someone who has the potential to become a great tree.”

The smile on Chairman Hideki’s face faded as he set down the teacup.

“In the near future, his name will spread throughout the world. He possesses something precious.”

Choi Sung-gun felt a shiver run down his spine.

‘Is this, is this for real?’

The head of a major Japanese conglomerate was praising Kang Woo-jin to the heavens. It was so sudden that the feeling was amplified. And on top of that.

‘The world… Does he really have an eye for the future?’

The future that Chairman Hideki predicted for Kang Woo-jin was almost accurate. Currently, Woo-jin’s sights were set on the Academy Awards, and he had begun preparations for the Cannes Film Festival as a stepping stone.

At that moment.

-Slightly.

Chairman Hideki, who had been leaning back on the sofa, added.

“Of course, that’s not the only reason I’m making this move. It’s difficult to explain the details. Just think of it as an old man’s precaution for my past attachments, to protect something precious. I wouldn’t mind spending 100 billion [approximately $700 million USD] for that precious thing.”

“…”

“And I owe Mr. Kang Woo-jin a debt. He doesn’t know it, but that’s how it started.”

“!!!”

At this point, a lightbulb went off in Choi Sung-gun’s head. So that’s it, that’s what it was. Soon, his brain began to process what had suddenly come to mind.

‘The past and a debt. I don’t know what the precious thing is, but… Woo-jin and Chairman Hideki have had some kind of connection since a long time ago.’

It was a clear misjudgment.

‘That would explain everything. Woo-jin’s confidence and composure during the ‘Nakkisaeng’ crisis, the absurd appearance of Chairman Hideki, even the investment. I thought it was related to Director Kyotaro or writer Akari… but it was Woo-jin who was connected.’

Choi Sung-gun was furiously scribbling in his mental notebook of wrong answers. By the way, there was one more similar person. It was Director Kyotaro. Choi Sung-gun, who had no way of knowing this, thought.

‘Woo-jin’s Japanese, his Japanese sign language skills. It must be related to that. The fact that this guy is proposing an investment now too. It’s an impossible picture if there’s no connection. He said he owed a debt? What happened to Woo-jin in the past…’

He stared intently at Chairman Hideki’s face.

‘I don’t know, I don’t get it. The scale is too big, and honestly, I’m dying of curiosity, but it’s too awkward to ask. Anyway, it’s clear that this guy is going to pour money into Woo-jin, not BW Entertainment.’

The misunderstanding turned into a delusion and concluded as a certainty.

‘Woo-jin always seemed unfazed no matter who he met—that makes sense. If he has a connection with someone like Chairman Hideki, then ordinary big shots would look like small fry.’

At that moment.

-Slightly.

Chairman Hideki, having adjusted his posture, spoke in a firm voice.

“Even so, I don’t intend to take this matter lightly. I expect to receive a proper business plan or proposal from the CEO.”

“…Of course.”

“Can we proceed positively?”

Choi Sung-gun bowed his head.

“I look forward to working with you. I will deliver what you mentioned as soon as possible.”

“Let’s do that.”

Chairman Hideki, smiling again, added.

“This conversation should remain between us.”

And at this time, in the hotel restroom.

“…”

With a calm face, Kang Woo-jin, who had unknowingly become even more imposing, was washing his hands after using the restroom.

-Swish.

Of course.

‘Wow, damn. The restrooms in top-class hotels are amazing. What is this place? This faucet is gold, is it real gold?? No way, right?’

He was completely oblivious.

Later.

The script reading for ‘Nakkisaeng’ finished late in the afternoon. The atmosphere was electric. The expressions of the production team, including Director Kyotaro and writer Akari, were intense, and the dozens of actors who participated were also very serious. Likewise, the hundred or so attendees, excluding reporters and related personnel, were equally engaged.

Whatever it was.

-Clap clap clap clap clap clap clap!

After the reading ended, loud applause erupted in the hall. Of course, Kang Woo-jin, who always maintained a poker face, also joined in.

‘Ha- it’s over, that was exhausting.’

Unlike his inner thoughts, he silently joined in the applause. Meanwhile, the top Japanese actors couldn’t help but glance at Kang Woo-jin. It was a script reading that was enough to dispel everyone’s speculations, thoughts, assumptions, and worries.

‘…Can we really go into filming like this? No, we can’t. If I’m in the same scene as Kang Woo-jin, it’ll be obvious right away.’

‘I almost fell in love! No, I did fall in love! Kang Woo-jin is several times more amazing than I thought?!’

‘We weren’t lacking. It’s just that Kang Woo-jin stood out. But why do I feel defeated?’

As the actors’ individual worries deepened, the hall where the script reading had taken place began to buzz with activity. Dozens of production staff moved to clean up, reporters took pictures, and the hundred or so related personnel and staff left the hall or began to chat with each other. Chairman Hideki’s group was nowhere to be seen.

They must have left midway.

Here, Director Kyotaro, with his gray hair, was giving simple instructions to the production staff.

-Slightly.

He looked at the faces of the lead actors, except for Kang Woo-jin. Each of them wore an expression of shock. Director Kyotaro was satisfied with this.

‘Did I push them hard enough?’

Writer Akari, pushing up her glasses on her nose, chimed in.

“As expected, casting Woo-jin was the right decision. All the actors have faces that show they’ve learned a lot.”

“Because Mr. Kang Woo-jin is a rookie, and because he’s a Korean actor, what they felt must have been amplified. It’s a harsh method, but it will definitely be beneficial for them.”

Part of the reason why Director Kyotaro cast Woo-jin was to critique the current state of the declining Japanese entertainment industry and its actors. That’s why he had already given the actors a brief introduction of Kang Woo-jin.

‘Kang Woo-jin has been hidden for over a decade, and only recently did he film a short film, which brought him into the spotlight. I want them to experience the acting hurdle with him during the script reading.’

Thanks to this, the top Japanese actors of ‘Nakkisaeng’ watched Woo-jin’s acting even more intently. As a result, they became aware of their own shortcomings. There might be negative reactions, but Director Kyotaro, who was scanning the actors, didn’t care.

‘If they become twisted, it just means that actor’s potential is limited.’

Even if a few actors left, if one or two actors awakened, it would be several times more beneficial. Fortunately, there were no actors making noticeable moves. Soon, Director Kyotaro’s gaze reached Kang Woo-jin, who was talking to Choi Sung-gun.

‘…As a director, I can’t help but be greedy for this actor. Just his presence on set solves so many problems.’

His trust was absolute.

At this moment.

“Alright, everyone! Director, writer! Actors! Please gather here!”

The assistant director shouted loudly in Japanese. It was time to take a group photo of ‘Nakkisaeng,’ and starting with Director Kyotaro in the middle, dozens of people gathered.

And ‘Iyota Kiyoshi,’ the pillar of ‘Nakkisaeng,’ Kang Woo-jin.

“Woo-jin, this way.”

He stood right next to Director Kyotaro.

After taking the group photo, the actors began to leave the hall one by one. They greeted the director and writer, and even brushed past Kang Woo-jin.

“Thank you for your hard work. See you on the filming day.”

“Yes, thank you for your hard work.”

Most of them were serious. But there was one exception.

“Kang Woo-jin!”

Only the actress who had been consistently high-spirited and showed extreme affection for Woo-jin was different.

“Do you happen to use LINE [a popular messaging app in Japan]?”

“No. I don’t.”

“Then let’s connect on Instagram! We should get to know each other!”

It was Uramatsu Mihuyu, who was undoubtedly one of the top actresses in Japan. In ‘Nakkisaeng,’ she played the eccentric character ‘Horinochi Amie.’ In Korean terms, she would be similar to Hong Hye-yeon [a reference to a popular Korean actress known for her unique personality]. She had big eyes, fair skin, and plump lips. She looked innocent, but her way of speaking was blunt.

“I’ve actually liked you for quite a while, as a fellow actor. I’ll send you a DM!”

She waved her hands with a smile and walked away. Kang Woo-jin received her greeting indifferently, but inside, he was thinking, ‘What was that?’

‘Oh my heart, that startled me. She’s very straightforward? I’m thankful, though.’

He quickly calmed down. It must be because he was unfamiliar with a top Japanese actress. Soon, Choi Sung-gun came up next to Woo-jin.

“Woo-jin, did you greet the director and writer?”

“Yes, CEO.”

“Let’s go too. But what was Uramatsu Mihuyu saying?”

“She said we should get to know each other. She said she’ll send a DM.”

Choi Sung-gun chuckled and gave a thumbs up.

“You know? Mihuyu, that actress, is among the top five in Japan in terms of popularity. And she’s asking for your contact information first? Wow, you’re popular? It’s good to get to know each other and all, but let’s manage the scandals. I know you’ll do well on your own.”

Scandals? That’s unlikely. Anyway, now that he thought about it, Kang Woo-jin found it amazing. A few months ago, the only calls he got were from his close, dark-balled friends. But now, he had the numbers of top actors from Korea and even Japan saved on his phone.

‘It’s become incredibly global.’

His network was also starting to expand overseas.

The next morning.

Kang Woo-jin, who had greeted his second morning in Tokyo, Japan, could be found in a waiting room. He was wearing a green knit vest over a white shirt. He had full makeup on and his hair was styled.

He was alone in the waiting room.

“Hmm-”

He was looking at a tablet. One line stood out among the words displayed on the screen.

-[Fan Signing Event Order]

He had come for the scheduled fan signing event.

It was at this moment.

-Click!

The waiting room door opened, and Han Ye-jung, with her bobbed hair, peeked her face in.

“Oppa [a Korean term used by a younger female to address an older male], they say there are 300 invited Japanese fans.”

Woo-jin, having already heard about it, nodded calmly.

“Okay, I got it.”

“But.”