I was Mistaken as a Monstrous Genius Actor [EN]: Chapter 176

Choi Sung-gun’s whisper into his phone was filled with determination.

“My situation is more or less resolved; it’s just up to you to decide.”

On the other end of the phone, the woman sounded quite surprised.

“S-so suddenly?”

“Suddenly? No. I told you, I’ve been preparing for this from the start. You were involved, so I asked you.”

“That’s… right. But oppa [older brother/close male friend], are you sure it’s okay? Seo Gu-seop has so much influence. I’m with GGO Entertainment.”

“Are you worried about the current celebrities? Or are you feeling sorry? Well, I guess you could be. There’s bound to be controversy if things get big.”

Choi Sung-gun, who had been speaking calmly, continued his explanation without hesitation.

“But Hanna, if we leave it like this, the victims will only increase, and CEO Seo Gu-seop’s misdeeds will only grow. In the long run, it’s also beneficial for the current artists.”

“……”

“GGO Entertainment is already a large corporation, and if we don’t stop him now, we won’t be able to touch Seo Gu-seop later. His influence in the entertainment industry is already enormous.”

“But you’re planning to take him on, aren’t you?”

“I’m a crazy bastard, after all.”

“What’s that? But when you say it, it kind of makes sense.”

Choi Sung-gun chuckled.

“Either way, if things get big and the GGO Entertainment shareholders react, Seo Gu-seop will just be replaced, and things will be sorted out. GGO Entertainment is so big, it’ll normalize quickly. There are so many issues, it’ll be forgotten quickly.”

“Like Kang Woo-jin?”

“Well, something like that. Most of it will be done anonymously anyway, but if you feel too burdened, you can step out, Hanna. I’ll just keep doing what I was doing.”

It was true. Choi Sung-gun had been preparing something related to Seo Gu-seop for quite some time. The exact time was around the ‘Mise-en-scène Film Festival.’ Choi Sung-gun and Seo Gu-seop hadn’t been on good terms since the past, and Seo Gu-seop had noticed Choi Sung-gun’s involvement at the ‘Mise-en-scène Film Festival,’ so he had prepared for it.

Though no one knew, in the big picture, Choi Sung-gun had blocked Seo Gu-seop’s path.

Whatever the circumstances, Seo Gu-seop had actually launched an attack on Choi Sung-gun at the time. He had interfered with Choi Sung-gun by creating meaningless scandals for Hong Hye-yeon.

It had been the same recently.

‘He’s been influencing the investors.’

Among the various investors Choi Sung-gun met for the expansion of bw Entertainment, some had initially reacted positively but then strangely turned negative. It wasn’t just one or two. Choi Sung-gun, finding this odd, had discovered a few things through his connections.

In conclusion, CEO Seo Gu-seop had muddied the waters.

He had intentionally met with investors and influenced them to prevent bw Entertainment from growing. Therefore, Choi Sung-gun had been biding his time, and that moment had arrived.

‘Actually, I was going to move when the investment was 100% certain—because of Chairman Hideki too.’

Of course, the deal with Chairman Hideki wasn’t finalized yet. However, there was something hidden between Kang Woo-jin and him, and Chairman Hideki was clearly very interested in Kang Woo-jin.

“So, Hanna, what are you going to do?”

The woman on the phone was silent for a moment before answering.

“…Yes, oppa. I’ll do it.”

After that.

As bw Entertainment’s official statement was released.

『[Official] bw Entertainment Confirms 3-Year Contract Extension with Kang Woo-jin』

The rumors of Kang Woo-jin’s transfer, which had been a hot topic last week, with constant speculation and misinformation, seemed to be resolved.

『[Star Talk] ‘Monster Rookie’ Kang Woo-jin, No Underbidding… Contract Extension with bw Entertainment』

『Kang Woo-jin, mingling with big names in Japan, keeps loyalty with his existing agency/Photo』

Of course, the media still expressed some questions.

『[Feature] Why did bw Entertainment and Kang Woo-jin start with a 1-year contract?』

Why was it a 1-year contract, how much was Kang Woo-jin’s contract fee, what conditions did other agencies offer, etc. However, bw Entertainment only announced the fact of the contract extension with Kang Woo-jin and kept silent about the rest.

Whatever it was.

『bw Entertainment, having Kang Woo-jin again… Focuses on increasing size next year』

Kang Woo-jin’s agency was still bw Entertainment, and this news was firmly absorbed by the entire entertainment industry. Thanks to this, there were quite a few side comments here and there, and Kang Woo-jin’s name was buzzing all day.

What was unusual was that Japan was also quite shaken by Kang Woo-jin.

『Group Shot with ‘Nakkisaeng’ Actors, Only Korean Actor is 「Kang Woo-jin」』

In fact, in Japan, it had been a frenzy since the day Kang Woo-jin had done the script reading for ‘Nakkisaeng.’ It was close to a frenzy? In Korea, Kang Woo-jin was the key, but in Japan, there were many keywords. Woo-jin included, top Japanese actors, Director Kyotaro, Writer Akari, Kashii Group, and.

『Chairman 「Yoshimura Hideki」 Appears at Script Reading, Shakes Hands with Director Tanoguchi Kyotaro』

Even Chairman Hideki, who suddenly appeared on the scene. It was strange that the Japanese media was quiet. Meanwhile, there were many articles that made one realize Kang Woo-jin’s popularity in Japan. For example, the scene of reporters and fans flocking to Haneda Airport, mingling with Japanese actors at the script reading, scenes of interviews with various media, and even a fan signing event organized by Netflix Japan.

For reference, Kang Woo-jin’s first Japanese fan signing event, similar to a fan meeting, was quite a hot topic.

-【Making of a Male Friend】 Unveiling the Scene that Changed from Fan Signing to Fan Meeting!! | Kang Woo-jin | Netflix Japan

Netflix Japan had quickly uploaded the video, but there were so many videos uploaded directly by fans who participated in the signing event that it was overflowing.

On Japanese social media, Woo-jin’s good deeds spread.

『「Kang Woo-jin」 Presents an Unscheduled Performance for a Total of 1,000 Fans, Including 300 at the Signing Event + 800 Fans Who Gathered』

『「Korean Actor Kang Woo-jin」 Clearly Shows What Fan Service Is to Fans in Another Country』

Gradually, Kang Woo-jin’s fan base in Japan was growing.

And when the day passed and it became the 22nd.

『[Star Issue] Actor Kang Woo-jin’s Japanese Fan Club Created, Name is ‘KWJ I Love You’』

Kang Woo-jin’s official fan club was established in Japan.

22nd, Buyeo.

The time was around 10 a.m. The resort hotel used as accommodation by the ‘Island of the Missing’ team. Kang Woo-jin could be found in his room. He was sitting at a simple two-person table in the room. He had already showered, as his hair and face looked good.

What was interesting was.

“Thank you, Woo-jin. For making time from the morning.”

Sitting opposite Woo-jin was PD [Production Director] Song Man-woo, wearing a light padded jacket and sporting a beard. He had quite dark circles under his eyes, as if he often stayed up all night.

“Both last time and this time. I feel- I’m kind of sorry.”

Kang Woo-jin, with an indifferent face, shook his head at PD Song Man-woo, who was smiling faintly.

“No, it’s okay. You must have had a hard time coming here from the morning.”

“What. It’s obvious you’re busy, Woo-jin, so a jobless person should move. Hahaha.”

“Still, thank you for coming in person.”

“I came because of my own greed, so you don’t have to. You know my personality; once I have a goal, I feel like I have to come as soon as possible.”

Woo-jin, recalling PD Song Man-woo’s personality of rushing headlong for his work.

‘Still, I didn’t expect you to come all the way to Buyeo. Just how crazy are you about your work?’

Unlike his thoughts, he muttered silently.

“Please speak. I have to start getting ready at 10:30.”

“Oh, oh, I know, I know.”

In fact, Kang Woo-jin’s standby time today was 12 o’clock. So, he had to start getting his makeup done at 10:30. Soon, PD Song Man-woo changed back to his usual serious expression.

“Please take a look at this.”

He took out a yellow document envelope from the paper bag he had brought. It was thick. PD Song Man-woo handed it to Kang Woo-jin. Woo-jin met PD Song Man-woo’s gaze while receiving the envelope.

PD Song Man-woo straightened his posture and began to explain.

“It’s a script. However, it’s different from the one I gave you last time. That one was put on hold, and this is a new script.”

‘Put on hold’ meant ‘stopped.’ Kang Woo-jin had gained cooking skills with that script. Woo-jin, expressing gratitude inwardly, heard PD Song Man-woo speak again.

“It’s Choi Na-na’s new work.”

Kang Woo-jin, surprised inside but calm on the outside, asked.

“Writer Choi’s new work?”

“That’s right. Uh- it’s a long story to explain. Simply put, it’s a refined version of Choi Na-na’s practice work. After reading it, I was drawn to it, and I chose that work as my first independent project. The contract is already done.”

Oh, really? But it hasn’t been long since Writer Choi Na-na finished ‘Male Friend,’ so that’s amazing? It was unexpected, but Kang Woo-jin reacted nonchalantly.

“Is that so?”

“Hmm. And as soon as I saw this script, I felt it. You’re perfect for the male lead, Woo-jin. Honestly, it’s rare for an actor’s face to immediately come to mind when I see a role, but this time, it was only you, Woo-jin, that I thought of.”

“……”

“Of course, Writer Choi Na-na feels the same way. As you’ll see in the script, the storyline of this drama is one where the male lead grabs the reins and pulls it along. In other words, the male lead’s presence is very strong. I want you to do this, Woo-jin.”

PD Song Man-woo’s eyes were full of spirit. Kang Woo-jin, staring at those eyes for a moment, lowered his gaze. There were two stacks of papers on the table right in front of him. Of course, there were black rectangles attached to the sides of the scripts. Among them, Woo-jin picked up the script labeled ‘Episode 1.’

The first thing he saw was the title on the cover.

-‘Beneficial Evil’

The title itself was interesting to Kang Woo-jin. It was because the feeling was intense for a script written after a rom-com like ‘Male Friend.’

‘Oh? What is this? I’m curious about the content?’

Normally, he would have immediately entered the subspace, but this time, he turned the first page of the script instead. He had worked with Writer Choi Na-na before, and he was curious about her second work. Especially since it was a 16-episode mini-series this time, not a short story.

-Flip.

Woo-jin, reading the first line of the script ‘Beneficial Evil,’ immediately exclaimed inwardly.

‘Wow- this is rough from the start? It’s throwing in action right away? But Writer Choi Na-na wrote this?’

That exclamation turned into interest and heightened Woo-jin’s concentration. About five minutes later.

-Flip, flip.

Kang Woo-jin, quickly flipping through a few pages, suddenly closed the script and spoke to PD Song Man-woo, who was filled with slight tension and spirit.

“It’s interesting.”

“!!!”

“So much so that I want to read it right away if I had the time.”

He was sincere. PD Song Man-woo, with his eyes widened, got excited.

“…Putting aside all the interests, just as an actor, do you think you’ll do it?”

“Yes, I think I will.”

At this, PD Song Man-woo, who had jumped up, put strength into his voice.

“Okay! Then keep reading it. I’ll leave so I don’t disturb you. Check it carefully and give me an answer.”

Woo-jin, who had also stood up, replied politely.

“I understand, PD-nim [respected title for a PD]. Thank you for coming.”

“Aiya, that doesn’t matter at all. Ah- right, I’ll tell CEO Choi too. We can definitely afford your fee, Woo-jin.”

“……”

“It’s just that we’re prepared.”

PD Song Man-woo, giving a thumbs up, left the room. Woo-jin didn’t even have a chance to say a closing remark. Whatever it was, Kang Woo-jin, who had sat back down, picked up the ‘Beneficial Evil’ script. To be exact.

-Swish.

He poked the black rectangle attached to the side of the script with his index finger. The content check was over, and he had to look at something else. Kang Woo-jin quickly entered the subspace, a world that was all dark. He walked towards the white rectangles that were floating around his chest.

“Let’s see-”

Kang Woo-jin, stretching and yawning, checked the recently updated works. But.

“Huh?”

Woo-jin was slightly surprised. The reason was simple. The first was that there was a change in Director Ahn Ga-bok’s ‘Leech.’

-[8/Scenario (Title: Leech), SS Grade]

SS Grade. It was a new grade of appearance.

“SS?? That’s crazy. ‘Leech’ was definitely S+ grade, right?”

Moreover, the grade had gone up by one level.

“This is 100% because of me. Damn it, don’t let your lips curl up, you bastard.”

The change in ‘Leech’ was definitely thanks to Kang Woo-jin. Recently, Woo-jin had confirmed his participation in ‘Leech.’ But SS grade? The new grade was good, but Kang Woo-jin had a question. ‘Leech’ was definitely a submission to the Cannes Film Festival, right? But if it’s SS grade, what’s going on?

“Is it going to be released later?”

Well, he couldn’t confirm it right now. Still, it was definitely a situation worth dancing a shoulder dance. Thanks to that, Woo-jin, who was smiling faintly, moved his gaze.

-Swish.

He saw the white rectangle of ‘Beneficial Evil’ written by Choi Na-na.

-[9/Script (Title: Beneficial Evil), S+ Grade]

This was S+ grade from the start. Two fanfares went off at the same time. Soon, Woo-jin, rubbing his hands together, shouted ‘Exit’ and returned to his room, where he once again opened the first episode of the ‘Beneficial Evil’ script.

“Damn, no wonder it was so fun.”

At the same time, Nonhyeon-dong, GGO Entertainment.

Bulldog Seo Gu-seop, having finished the morning’s general meeting, was sitting on the upper seat of the central five-person sofa in the CEO’s office. He had taken off his suit jacket and had a cigarette in his mouth. In that state, he was squinting one eye while looking at the tablet in his hand.

“Sip-”

On the sofas on either side of him were the executive-level officers, so-called ‘right-hand men.’ They were called officers, but they were more like loyal dogs who did the dirty work for CEO Seo Gu-seop.

Then.

“Hoo.”

CEO Seo Gu-seop, exhaling a long stream of cigarette smoke and putting down the tablet, clicked his tongue slightly.

“Hey, is this all there is?”

The director sitting on the left sofa lowered his head.

“Yes, CEO.”

“No, damn it. It’s not a child’s play. What’s with this weak stuff? Do you think this flimsy stuff will even bruise Kang Woo-jin’s face?”

“I’m sorry. Kang Woo-jin hasn’t been debuted for long, and there’s nothing coming out from his past.”

“So. This is the best you could find?”

“……Yes.”

CEO Seo Gu-seop, glaring at the director who had shrunk back, exhaled cigarette smoke again.

“Hoo- okay, that’s enough for now. We can process the strong stuff later and throw it out. So, among these, let’s reignite the dual personality thing, the Kang Woo-jin and Hwa-rin scandal, the drug-related rumors. And tie in the Japanese side well too.”

“The Japanese side?”

“Yeah. Just create suspicion. Logically, how can he speak Japanese and Japanese sign language?”

“Ah.”

CEO Seo Gu-seop, clicking his tongue briefly, leaned back on the sofa.

“And I’ve shaken up all the investors on Choi Sung-gun’s side. Why isn’t that bastard Choi Sung-gun reacting? He should either make a deal or curse at me.”

“I’ll check it out.”

“Push him to the edge of the cliff. That way, we’ll have an excuse to swallow up bw Entertainment.”

If things went according to plan, Kang Woo-jin and Hong Hye-yeon would also be his.

At that moment.

-♬♪

CEO Seo Gu-seop’s phone on the table rang. It was a call, and he, putting a new cigarette in his mouth.

-Swish.

Put the phone to his ear.

“Yeah, it’s me. Yeah.”

However.

“…What? What are you talking about? Are you crazy?”

CEO Seo Gu-seop’s face instantly crumpled. Then, he threw the cigarette he had in his mouth and held out his hand to the director in front of him. He wanted the tablet. Soon, CEO Seo Gu-seop’s eyes, rapidly tapping the tablet screen, widened to a grotesque extent.

“!!!”

At the same time, he asked the directors sitting on either side of him roughly.

“Hey, you bastards!! Don’t just be surprised, answer me!! What is this!!!”

Of course, the reason was what was being displayed on the tablet screen. The bulldog had been collared.

『[Exclusive] “Called to Karaoke at Dawn”… Actress’s Confession Towards GGO Entertainment CEO Seo Gu-seop “I Wasn’t the Only One” – Part 1 of 5』/Power Patch

It was a collar of downfall.

End