I was Mistaken as a Monstrous Genius Actor [EN]: Chapter 175

Writer Choi Na-na was under contract with DM Production, where PD [Producer/Director] Song Man-woo was the head of directing and also the CEO. Therefore, she had become independent from writer Park Eun-mi’s team, and this workspace was provided by DM Production. Currently, writer Choi Na-na and PD Song Man-woo were in the midst of early script meetings.

As soon as Choi Na-na heard about Kang Woo-jin’s fee, her eyes widened behind her round glasses.

“F- four thousand per episode…”

As someone who debuted with ‘Male Best Friend,’ it was an enormous sum. On the other hand, for Song Man-woo, a big shot in the drama industry, it wasn’t such a surprising amount.

“That’s the minimum, the absolute minimum. So, 4000 is the base, and we have to negotiate from there.”

“Ah, ah- then maybe 5, 6000 too?”

“It’s definitely possible. It’s a lot higher than during ‘Male Best Friend,’ right?”

“I… I didn’t hear the details. Director Dong-chun took care of it.”

PD Song Man-woo stroked his beard and leaned back in his chair. Then, he recalled the early days of ‘Profiler Hanryang.’

‘Back then, Woo-jin’s appearance fee was 350 per episode. Now, it’s over 6000.’

PD Song Man-woo smiled absurdly.

‘It’s increased 20 times in less than a year.’

Even 350 was a significant amount for a complete rookie, and a fee of 4000 to 6000 per episode was the going rate for A-list actors or higher. Of course, considering Kang Woo-jin’s current momentum, he was at a level where he could aim for fees in the hundreds of millions. However, what couldn’t be overlooked in the market value was experience.

Kang Woo-jin was still in his first year.

‘Still, the market’s evaluation of Woo-jin’s fee has already exceeded common sense.’

For a rookie who hasn’t even been in the industry for a year to have a value of 6000 per episode was close to nonsense. It was unheard of and didn’t exist in the entertainment industry. But Kang Woo-jin had done the impossible and was unique. He had made his mark, but there was no chance another person like Woo-jin would appear.

From the start, Kang Woo-jin’s filmography was close to a fantasy.

Then, PD Song Man-woo, who had been quietly exhaling, looked down at Choi Na-na’s two scripts and opened his mouth.

“6000… hmm, if we want to get Woo-jin, we should consider up to 7000 at the maximum.”

“…W- what was that?”

“And that’s only if Woo-jin doesn’t do this. If he doesn’t, there’s no need to even discuss it. Well, the production costs aren’t something the writer needs to worry about. This is DM Production’s first project, and we have plenty of funds. There’s no problem with assembling the production team either. We’ve already scouted the key staff. This project is a one-man show for the male lead. So, the actor. We just need to create a good casting board.”

“Ah.”

“It’s okay, it’s not like there’s no chance at all. From what I’ve gathered, Woo-jin has only done ‘Island of the Missing’ and ‘Strange Gisaeng’ besides variety shows so far.”

Of course, they had no idea about Director Ahn Ga-bok. In other words, PD Song Man-woo’s calculations were only up to before Director Ahn Ga-bok. Anyway, tension immediately settled on Choi Na-na’s slender face. Or rather, a sense of burden? Noticing this, PD Song Man-woo smiled with composure.

“Writer, you don’t need to think about anything else. Just focus on the script.”

His eyes were full of determination.

“I’ll risk my life to get him.”

Back.

After finishing interviews with dozens of reporters at Gimpo Airport, Kang Woo-jin was looking down at his phone in a van speeding down the highway.

“…”

His expression was cold. However, inside, he was doing an excessive shoulder dance.

‘7 million! Crazy? 7 million viewers?!’

He had checked the cumulative number of viewers for ‘Drug Lord.’ He had vaguely heard about it in Japan. That it had easily surpassed 6 million. But he hadn’t paid much attention because his schedule in Japan was hectic. However, now that he was back in Korea, it felt very real.

『[Movie Talk] The unbelievable ‘Drug Lord’ surpasses 7 million viewers! Breaks a record that stood for over a decade』

‘Drug Lord’ had created a sensational typhoon in the second half of the movie industry. The Korean film industry was making a big fuss about it. Of course, Director Kim Do-hee of ‘Drug Lord’ and the film company were also celebrating.

“Director! It’s 7 million, 7 million!!”

“Congratulations!”

“Hahaha! 7 million is just a number, if it wasn’t ‘Restricted,’ it would have easily hit 10 million!”

The box office results they had pulled up clearly showed 7 million.

[Daily Domestic Box Office]

1. Drug Lord / Release Date: October 28th / Viewers: 151,257 / Screens: 1002 / Cumulative Viewers: 7,028,995

The film industry media was busy informing the public about this unprecedented record.

『[Today’s Entertainment] ‘Drug Lord’ surpasses 7 million… Achieves the highest-grossing R-rated film of all time』

『’Drug Lord,’ an R-rated film, saves the domestic film industry!』

The film industry had been in a drought, with no popular films surpassing 3 million recently. It was safe to say that ‘Drug Lord’ had broken through that. The newly established record was not only featured in the news but also discussed by many film-related programs and critics.

And of course, Kang Woo-jin’s name was mentioned.

『[Star Talk] Kang Woo-jin of ‘Lee Sang-man,’ the biggest beneficiary of 7 million viewers?』

However, the disappointing thing was that the speed of ‘Drug Lord,’ which had reached 7 million viewers, had noticeably decreased. This wasn’t an unnatural phenomenon. No matter how much ‘Drug Lord’ had broken through limits, there was an end to everything.

The prevailing opinion, based on the flow and atmosphere, was that it would be difficult for ‘Drug Lord’ to reach 8 million.

While the film industry was buzzing about ‘Drug Lord,’ Kang Woo-jin’s name was also exploding elsewhere. It was natural since he had returned from Japan today.

『[Star Photo] Kang Woo-jin returns from his schedule in Japan, interviews with reporters at the airport… ‘Strange Gisaeng’ script reading was fun / Photo』

The first Korean rookie actor to be cast as the lead in a work by a Japanese master director. Once it became a reality, the public quickly latched onto it.

-lolololol national pride is off the charts lolololol

-The fact that Kang Woo-jin is the only Korean actor is amazing lolololol

-Damn, when you go to the main filming, crush all the Japanese actors!!!

-But what if Kang Woo-jin gets crushed instead???

-↑Idiot, he’s crushing the Korean top actors, do you think he’ll lose to Japan??

-This national pride is a bit much lolololol

-Honestly, I don’t like Kang Woo-jin, but I’d hate it more if he lost to Japan lolololol

·

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It was understandable. The image of Kang Woo-jin standing among Director Kyotaro and top Japanese actors was unfamiliar. It was a novel move and something that had never happened before.

Two days later.

20th, around late lunch. Buyeo.

Outside the large set complex of ‘Island of the Missing,’ in the dense forest, Director Kwon Ki-taek’s gentle signal spread.

“Cut, okay.”

At the same time, the assistant director, who had received some instructions, shouted.

“Okay!! We’ll reorganize and be on standby in 10 minutes!!”

The dozens of staff who had stopped went back into the set to do their jobs. The filming team adjusted the camera settings, while the lighting and art teams checked the shooting storyboard with Director Kwon Ki-taek for the next cut. The makeup team went to the actors, including Ryu Jung-min, who were in the filming zone.

Among them.

-Swish.

Kang Woo-jin, whose military uniform was covered in blood, was moving back to his spot. The next scene was a cut that didn’t include him.

Kang Woo-jin had rejoined the filming of ‘Island of the Missing’ yesterday. For about three days, he was scheduled to commute from nearby accommodations, and for the remaining seven days, he had to travel back and forth from Seoul. He had other schedules to handle.

Still, the main focus was filming ‘Island of the Missing.’

As much as the ‘Island of the Missing’ team was accommodating, Kang Woo-jin had to focus even more on filming. However, it didn’t seem like Woo-jin’s absence was greatly felt among the staff.

“Is it because Woo-jin has so few NGs [No Good takes]? The filming schedule is progressing smoothly.”

“Isn’t it strange? Usually, when actors leave and then rejoin, their emotional lines tend to jump. But Woo-jin doesn’t have any of that.”

“The other actors have more NGs. If I were the director, I would really favor Woo-jin.”

Regardless, Kang Woo-jin, who was sitting on a chair a little away from the filming site, was thinking.

‘Is it because it’s in the forest? Or is it because the weather is getting colder? It feels a bit chilly.’

He was feeling the changing season as it turned to winter. At that moment.

“Hyung-nim [Older brother/close male friend]!”

Jang Su-hwan, who appeared from somewhere, approached Kang Woo-jin with large strides.

“You’ve worked hard! Here’s your water and phone!”

He handed over the phone and a water bottle. Woo-jin replied in a cynical tone and opened the water bottle first. At the same time, his phone vibrated with a long buzz. Checking the caller, he slowly scratched his chin.

‘CEO Seo Gu-seop. Ah, right. I forgot about this guy.’

After returning to Korea, Kang Woo-jin had contacted the entertainment companies that had reached out to him for scouting. To be precise, he had politely declined. In the process, Kang Woo-jin realized that he had forgotten about CEO Seo Gu-seop of the large GGO Entertainment.

Well, whatever. Since he called, I can just tell him now.

Then, he got up from the chair and answered the phone.

“Yes, hello.”

Immediately, CEO Seo Gu-seop’s clear voice, like a bulldog, was heard over the phone.

“Oh my- Woo-jin-ssi. We need to meet. We have an appointment, right? Haha, I got tired of waiting and called you first.”

“Yes. I was about to call you anyway.”

“Really? Good, then when should we meet? We’re both busy, so I’d like to meet as soon as possible.”

“About that. I’m sorry. It’s already been decided, so I’d like to meet you next time if there’s an opportunity.”

CEO Seo Gu-seop’s voice on the phone instantly turned cold.

“…Decided? Does that mean you’ve decided on your next agency?”

“That’s right.”

“But you made a decision without even meeting me? Why?”

“It’s difficult to tell you everything.”

“Kang Woo-jin-ssi. This is going to be uncomfortable for both of us, isn’t it? Which company did you go with? How great is it that… no, did you renew with Choi Sung-gun?”

“It’s still difficult to answer.”

CEO Seo Gu-seop’s voice turned harsh, but it had no effect on Kang Woo-jin, who was putting on a concept. There was a moment of silence. The one who broke the silence was CEO Seo Gu-seop.

“It seems like you and I just don’t match, Woo-jin-ssi. Right? We’ve missed each other twice now.”

“…”

“I understand.”

-Click.

The call ended immediately. Woo-jin, who had lowered his phone, slightly narrowed his brows.

‘What’s with this guy? He’s got a bad temper.’

At that moment, a familiar presence was heard from behind.

“Woo-jin. What are you doing there?”

Turning around, Choi Sung-gun, with his ponytail, was approaching, zipping up his jacket. When he reached Woo-jin, he shook his phone and immediately got to the point.

“I got a call from PD Song. He said he’s coming to Buyeo in person in about two days?”

“Is that so?”

“Yeah. I think the purpose is to give you the script like last time. He said he’d come right away since you can’t move due to circumstances. But this time, PD Song seems like he’s determined about something. Do you know anything about it?”

He had said he would look at other scripts before, but recently, PD Song Man-woo hadn’t contacted Woo-jin.

“No.”

“Really? Anyway, should I tell him to come? If you’re uncomfortable, I’ll contact him and tell him to see you later.”

“It doesn’t matter.”

“Okay- then let’s meet briefly before filming.”

Choi Sung-gun, who was answering, suddenly chuckled.

“Actor Kang, you’ve really become amazing? Making a big shot in the drama industry, PD Song Man-woo, come all the way to Buyeo? More than that, what’s going on? Who was that on the phone?”

“It was CEO Seo Gu-seop of GGO Entertainment.”

Choi Sung-gun immediately frowned.

“Why was that bulldog calling?”

Kang Woo-jin briefly explained his story with CEO Seo Gu-seop, and Choi Sung-gun, who openly clicked his tongue, muttered.

“I wonder what that bulldog will do with his personality. We need to hurry a bit.”

Hurry? What? Woo-jin, who was tilting his head inwardly, asked back.

“What?”

“No. Just talking to myself. Anyway, don’t worry about that bulldog, no, CEO Seo Gu-seop. I’ll take care of it.”

He already had no interest in it, but Kang Woo-jin answered indifferently.

“Yes, CEO.”

Choi Sung-gun, who was taking out his phone, continued.

“You’ve already stirred up enough buzz about your agency, so we should announce it tomorrow.”

At this time, at GGO Entertainment.

CEO Seo Gu-seop, sitting in his large CEO’s office, had a very flushed face. His lips were trembling as he clenched his teeth.

Then, he said.

“That little punk, Kang Woo-jin.”

He slammed his fist on the desk.

-Bang!!

“Damn it.”

His face was full of frustration. Therefore, he looked even more like a bulldog.

“I covered up the ‘Mise-en-scène Film Festival’ incident and even bowed down to him… How dare he screw me over twice?”

He had been backstabbed by Kang Woo-jin twice. Of course, it was only CEO Seo Gu-seop’s thought. His pride was hurt, and his self-esteem was trampled. And what about Kang Woo-jin’s rudeness during the call?

‘Is he acting up just because he’s gotten a little popular?’

Flames were rising from CEO Seo Gu-seop’s eyes.

“Okay. Let’s see, you little punk.”

His skin tone reddened, and he called someone on the intercom. Soon, several executives entered the CEO’s office. CEO Seo Gu-seop gave them cold instructions.

“Hey, let’s put some scratches on Kang Woo-jin. Gather all the rumors that have been circulating about him.”

The next morning.

At a resort hotel a little away from the ‘Island of the Missing’ filming location. The time was around 8 a.m. It was a bit early, but Choi Sung-gun, with his hair down, was seen in the hotel lobby.

“Let’s see- what’s on the menu today.”

From what he said, it seemed like he had come down for breakfast. Then, something came to his mind, and he took out his phone and accessed a search site. What Choi Sung-gun wanted to check was simple.

『[Official] bw Entertainment confirms 3-year contract extension with Kang Woo-jin』

It was the official statement from bw Entertainment, which had been released a few tens of minutes ago. With this, Kang Woo-jin would no longer be going into the FA [Free Agent] market, and Choi Sung-gun, who had checked the article, nodded in satisfaction.

“That’s it.”

He muttered briefly and suddenly made a call somewhere. The other person answered quickly.

“Yes, oppa [Older brother/close male friend].”

A slightly trembling female voice.

“Did you sleep?”

“No. I’m going to the salon. I have a shoot at lunch.”

“I’ve secured the expansion funds, I can take you in. bw Entertainment will grow, and we’ll officially scout you soon.”

“…Really?”

“Yeah, so should we move up what we were planning to do?”

“Ah.”

Then, Choi Sung-gun moved to a corner of the lobby and spoke to her over the phone. Almost whispering.

“Hanna, let’s slowly break Seo Gu-seop.”