I was Mistaken as a Monstrous Genius Actor [EN]: Chapter 18

For actors who stand at the crossroads of choices with each project, the ability to discern a good project is one of the essential virtues. It’s often described as a gut feeling or instinct, or sometimes as a keen eye. Occasionally, there are actors who seem to do well with every project they choose.

However, this isn’t a skill that improves with practice.

It was closer to a talent one was born with. The power of instinct that easily overpowers reason in a fleeting moment. An actor with this was truly blessed. A character with severely unbalanced stats, perhaps?

But actors with this were extremely rare. Lately, it was safe to say there were none.

Song Man-woo PD, who had been a big-shot drama PD [Producer Director] for over a decade, had only seen a few. But then, Kang Woo-jin suddenly appeared in this entertainment world. Could that arrogant, oddball monster really have that sense?

Soon, Song Man-woo PD asked the composed Woo-jin again. It was to make sure he understood.

‘You chose ‘The Fixer’ based on a feeling. Just… a feeling?’

At the question, Kang Woo-jin, with his chic demeanor, tilted his head inwardly. Why are they so surprised? Is a feeling that strange? Isn’t ‘feeling’ a common word used everywhere? It was a natural question for him, as he still lacked knowledge about the entertainment industry. He didn’t yet know how significant that ‘feeling’ was for an actor.

Whatever the case, since he had already said it, Kang Woo-jin elaborated.

‘The content of ‘The Fixer’ was good, but what moved me was the feeling.’

‘…Why? What kind of feeling is that? That ‘The Fixer’ would do well?’

Another question was thrown. At this point, Woo-jin activated his bluffing booster. What did it matter? The level of the subspace felt like a hint of the future.

‘Yes. It doesn’t seem like it won’t do well. ‘The Fixer’ will do well, I think.’

‘What confidence…’

Woo-jin’s tone, without a hint of hesitation, was genuine. At least, that’s how Song Man-woo PD and writer Park Eun-mi, who were watching Kang Woo-jin, felt, and Park Eun-mi, who was writing the work where that feeling was at play.

‘What on earth is the source of that conviction??’

Kang Woo-jin seemed like an alien all over again. It wasn’t that he was arrogant or cocky. He was genuinely confident. At this moment, writer Park Eun-mi took off her headband and leaned towards Kang Woo-jin.

‘Isn’t it a bit reckless? This time is the most important for you, Woo-jin?’

‘Is that so?’

Only Park Eun-mi was serious. Kang Woo-jin was the epitome of indifference. At this, she clicked her tongue inwardly.

‘This guy is… he’s kind of crazy. Where in the world is there an actor like this!’

He was clearly different from the actors she usually saw around her. On the other hand, Song Man-woo PD was judging Woo-jin rather calmly.

‘His past is unclear, but he has been honing his acting skills through self-study for years, maybe even decades, and then he appeared at the timing he wanted. Under the guise of a hobby.’

Moreover, Kang Woo-jin joined two projects immediately upon his appearance, without any waiting period. A mega-scale drama and a short film.

‘Whatever the process, no rookie can show this insane speed.’

For rising rookies who have made it, the first step and the next one are crucial. That’s why agencies are very sensitive about choosing projects during that period.

But Kang Woo-jin doesn’t have an agency right now.

Yet, Kang Woo-jin is picking projects based on his own feeling, without anyone’s advice.

‘And the one he suddenly picked is ‘The Fixer’, a short film that most people wouldn’t even consider.’

For rookies or unknowns, a big project is always better if they have the chance. Since Kang Woo-jin had already joined ‘Profiler Han-ryang’, he could have waited to see the response after the broadcast and then chosen slowly.

‘But he picked ‘The Fixer’ so coolly.’

At this point, Song Man-woo PD stared at Kang Woo-jin’s unwavering eyes across from him. Of course, there was no guarantee yet that ‘The Fixer’ would do well. But if ‘The Fixer’ really hit it big.

‘That crazy acting, a different kind of star quality, guts, and even a keen sense and instinct.’

That oddball named Kang Woo-jin would surely grow into a great actor that no one could match. Soon, Song Man-woo PD was unknowingly impressed by the unusual presence before him.

Excessively so.

‘This bastard is a cheat character, isn’t he?’

Then, the bearded Song Man-woo PD laughed.

‘Haha, this is something. If I ever start a production company later, I’ll definitely have to come to Woo-jin for help when choosing scripts.’

Following that, writer Park Eun-mi suddenly grabbed Woo-jin’s hands across from her. She was a bit excited.

‘Woo-jin! What do you think will happen with our ‘Profiler Han-ryang’?? Huh? If you think about it, it’s not that Woo-jin chose it, but rather we pulled Woo-jin in.’

On the other hand, Woo-jin was inwardly a bit disgusted. Does this writer have a habit of holding hands? Thanks to that, he subtly pulled his hand away and answered.

‘There are two of you, so wouldn’t it do well?’

‘What are you talking about! The drama scene is like walking on thin ice! There are tons of dramas that fail even with top actors participating!’

Oh, really? Woo-jin didn’t know much about the drama scene, and it seemed like he needed to calm down writer Park Eun-mi across from him. More than anything, he had some confidence in ‘Profiler Han-ryang’ as well.

That’s why Kang Woo-jin’s answer was simple. It was mixed with some sincerity.

‘I joined because I thought it would do well.’

Instantly, a sense of relief spread in writer Park Eun-mi’s heart, and at the same time, she felt energized.

‘…I’m not religious, but I guess this is why people believe in religion.’

After that.

Song Man-woo PD and Park Eun-mi, who had been focused on Kang Woo-jin, barely returned to the main topic. The reason they called Woo-jin was because of the script. The conversation was started again by Park Eun-mi, who had put her headband back on.

‘Originally, the script was out up to episode 4. But recently, we revised the script from episode 2 onwards. From episode 2 to 4.’

‘Revisions, you say?’

‘Yeah, but it’s not like we completely scrapped it. We just made some moderate changes, mainly focusing on the characters. So, there’s a very slight difference between episode 1 and the rest. Of course, that’s been revised too.’

In other words, there were some slight changes to the overall script, and Park Eun-mi, who received a stack of papers from Song Man-woo PD, smiled.

‘No- the video of Mr. Park that Woo-jin showed us. That’s a total cheat code. It’s like it sparks inspiration. If you look at this part of episode 2, Mr. Park’s lines and psychology have changed a bit…’

After that, writer Park Eun-mi began explaining the moderately revised role of ‘Mr. Park’. It was also somewhat interesting, so Kang Woo-jin focused. It was like, history class is boring, but historical stories are interesting?

After several tens of minutes.

‘We’ll give you the official scripts for episodes 2 to 4 as soon as they’re out. And this is the official script for episode 1.’

Writer Park Eun-mi handed Kang Woo-jin a book that felt brand new. It was the official script for episode 1 of ‘Profiler Han-ryang’.

‘As I said, there were very slight revisions to episode 1 as well, so please go through it again while thinking about the first draft.’

‘Understood.’

As Woo-jin pulled the script with a black rectangle attached to the side, Song Man-woo PD, who checked his wristwatch, changed the subject.

‘Woo-jin, about the script reading. It’s not confirmed yet as we’re still coordinating the actors’ schedules. But it’ll probably be in the form of an MT [Membership Training].’

Script reading? Woo-jin remembered having searched it up.

‘It’s probably a session to check the chemistry between all the actors before the actual filming, right?’

Kang Woo-jin felt a mix of anticipation and worry creeping up. Seeing the actors was fascinating, but it was his first time in such a setting, so he was nervous.

But an MT? Surely it wasn’t a motel.

Woo-jin, who tried his best to hide his facial expression, checked if it was the MT he knew.

‘You mean an MT format?’

Then, Song Man-woo PD immediately nodded.

‘That’s right. As you know, there are script readings where you just gather in a reading room, but when there are many actors or staff, we sometimes do it in an MT format to build chemistry.’

‘Ah- yes.’

‘But well, the script reading is just a formality. All the actors and staff go to have fun, hahaha. We’ll grill meat and drink alcohol.’

At this point, Park Eun-mi hit Song Man-woo PD’s shoulder, telling him to get a grip, and Kang Woo-jin fell into his own fantasy.

‘Wait a minute… I’m going on a trip with celebrities??’

He was going to grill meat and clink glasses with celebrities he thought lived in a different world? From what he saw in the news last time, ‘Profiler Han-ryang’ had a lineup of top stars, including Hong Hye-yeon.

It was amazing to Woo-jin that he could be in the same space as them, doing the same job, and having fun.

Thanks to that.

‘Wow- I didn’t even think about this.’

Woo-jin’s excitement amplified instantly. He didn’t show it on the outside, but his body was itching. It was at this moment that Song Man-woo PD continued.

‘Anyway, the date isn’t confirmed yet. But roughly around early or mid-March next month? If we do it, can you go, Woo-jin? It won’t be long. One night and two days?’

‘…I can.’

‘Okay. We’ll go after we’ve gone through the official script up to episode 2, so it’s good to have the script memorized. We’ll be going through up to episode 2 there. I know you’ll do well, Woo-jin.’

Following that, Song Man-woo PD explained the outlines of Mr. Park’s role to Kang Woo-jin. From the costumes to the appearance and other things.

‘Most of it will be prepared by our side, but you can also bring any props that you think you need. If they look good, we’ll use them.’

When all the meetings were over, about 3 hours had passed, and as Kang Woo-jin was leaving the studio with a cynical look, Park Eun-mi, who was seeing him off, approached him.

‘Woo-jin, I didn’t even know your number until now? Can you tell me?’

She smiled as she got Kang Woo-jin’s number. Song Man-woo PD already knew it, so there was no need to do this. It was only because she wanted to.

‘Here.’

With this, Park Eun-mi’s number was saved on Kang Woo-jin’s phone. As the numbers of big shots piled up, the value of Kang Woo-jin’s phone increased significantly.

Anyway, as soon as Woo-jin got into the elevator after leaving the studio.

‘Woah- it’s been a while since an MT?’

He dropped the concept he had been maintaining silently. Soon, he was filled with excitement.

‘And I’m going with Hong Hye-yeon and other celebrities? My life is getting seriously big.’

He had been to MTs in college, but this one was different from the people who were going. Soon, as Woo-jin got off on the first floor and took light steps.

-Vvvv, vvvvv.

The phone in his padded jacket pocket vibrated loudly. It was a call. The caller was director Shin Dong-chun, who hadn’t contacted him for days since the cafe incident.

-Swish.

Kang Woo-jin answered the phone, injecting the solemnity he had dropped.

‘Yes, director.’

The voice of director Shin Dong-chun on the other end of the phone was.

‘Woo-jin, can we meet tomorrow morning? I have something to tell you about ‘The Fixer’.’

It was a bit gloomy.

‘I’ll send you the address, so please come there.’

The next day, the morning of the 26th, near Jeongja Station in Bundang.

Kang Woo-jin was found in a rental office. Today, his outfit was light, as the weather had warmed up a bit. An aviator jacket and jeans. Woo-jin was sitting at a desk in the small rental office, and across from him was director Shin Dong-chun, whose face was covered in fatigue.

Soon, the square-jawed director Shin Dong-chun looked around the rental office and smiled awkwardly.

‘I rented it in a hurry, but is it uncomfortable?’

‘No, it’s fine.’

In fact, this rental office was hastily secured by director Shin Dong-chun, who had parted ways with Blue Vision Films. It was because they couldn’t talk at a cafe every time. Although it was small, it was perfect for meetings.

Whatever the case.

‘So- Woo-jin.’

Director Shin Dong-chun took out a thick transparent file he had brought and opened his mouth with difficulty.

‘To get straight to the point. I’ve been looking for film companies and investors everywhere, but it’s not easy.’

In other words, he was still striking out.

‘Also, it’s not confirmed, but it feels like GGO Entertainment has interfered, it feels harder than before.’

‘Mid-April, you said.’

‘Yes? Ah, the ‘Mise-en-scène Short Film Festival’? That’s right. It’s held in mid-April, so we need to start filming by early or mid-March at the latest… I’m sorry. I spoke confidently, but the situation isn’t very good.’

Director Shin Dong-chun became rapidly depressed. At this, Woo-jin, who had a poker face, felt pity for him inwardly.

‘That’s exactly what I looked like when I was working at the design company. It’s me when I got rejected for the sixth design proposal, it’s the same.’

Perhaps because of that, Kang Woo-jin’s heavy voice softened slightly.

‘Is there anything I can do to help?’

Director Shin Dong-chun shook his head and managed a smile.

‘No. I’m sorry, Woo-jin, just focus on your acting. I’ll figure out the funding and the film company somehow.’

At this moment.

-♬♪

A call came to Kang Woo-jin. Because he hadn’t turned off the vibration, Woo-jin moved quite quickly.

‘Ah, I’m sorry.’

Then, he paused when he saw the caller.

-Ms. Hong Hye-yeon.

It was a call from none other than top actress Hong Hye-yeon. Look at this, Kim Dae-young, I even get calls from Hong Hye-yeon like we’re friends? If he were at home, Kang Woo-jin’s lips would have been twitching.

‘…’

Director Shin Dong-chun was in front of him. That’s why Woo-jin forcefully suppressed his excitement.

‘Just a moment.’

‘Yes, yes, yes, take it.’

Then, Kang Woo-jin lowered his voice and answered the phone.

‘Yes.’

‘Your response is so simple. Don’t people usually say hello?’

‘Yes, hello.’

‘Never mind. Why do I keep having to beg? Anyway, where are you now? If it’s okay, I’d like to see you for a bit.’

See me? She wants to see me? The nuance was the same, but Hong Hye-yeon just meant to meet. But Kang Woo-jin felt a bit fluttery.

‘Why do you want to see me?’

‘Huh? I have something to say.’

‘I’m busy right now. I’m meeting someone.’

‘Ah! Is it director Dong-chun??’

‘…?’

How did she know? Woo-jin was a bit flustered, and he could hear Hong Hye-yeon’s laughter on the other end of the phone.

‘Am I right? I knew it. Then that’s good. Tell me your location. I’ll be waiting nearby. Honestly, I don’t have time other than now.’

Then he should tell her. But he had to hide his indifference. Woo-jin told her his current location and the call ended quickly. After that, Kang Woo-jin and Shin Bong-chun had a deep conversation about ‘The Fixer’.

‘Woo-jin, I think it’s better to cut this shot.’

‘Is that so?’

‘Yes. I think we need to reduce the production costs a bit. We need to reduce it as much as possible to increase the chances of getting investors.’

‘Then won’t the quality drop?’

‘But filming is the priority.’

That went on for about 45 minutes.

-Bang!

The closed door of the rental office suddenly swung open. Kang Woo-jin and director Shin Dong-chun couldn’t help but be startled.

And.

‘Ah- so there’s a place like this?’

A woman wearing a mask and a black hat entered through the open door. A hoodie and a denim jacket. She looked at Kang Woo-jin and director Shin Dong-chun, then took off her mask.

-Swish.

That’s when her face was revealed. Clear skin and perfect beauty. As soon as he saw the woman, director Shin Dong-chun’s eyes widened as if they would pop out.

‘Ho, Hong Hye-yeon??!’

The woman was Hong Hye-yeon. She took off her hat, showing off her long straight hair, and smiled at the square-jawed director Shin Dong-chun, who was in a daze.

‘Director. No, you’re a director now. Director, I want to do your ‘The Fixer’.’

Director Shin Dong-chun immediately stood up. He was so surprised that his expression was bizarre.

‘Huh?! Uh, uh??!! What, what do you mean!!’

At this moment, Hong Hye-yeon turned her head. She looked at Kang Woo-jin’s face, who was sitting right next to her. Kang Woo-jin was so surprised that he was stuck in a blank expression. Hong Hye-yeon, who had no way of knowing this, made eye contact with Woo-jin and smiled.

‘You’re not surprised at all? Anyway, can I do ‘The Fixer’?’