I was Mistaken as a Monstrous Genius Actor [EN]: Chapter 184

After reviewing Kang Woo-jin’s proposed appearance fee, Choi Sung-gun calmly tapped on his calculator.

‘150 million, that’s quite high.’

Appearance fees in the hundreds of millions vary from actor to actor, but top-tier S-class actors usually command between 200 million and 500 million, or even more. There are levels even among top actors. Of course, mega-stars like Shim Han-ho earn significantly more. However, Kang Woo-jin wasn’t quite an S-class top actor yet. He was rapidly gaining ground, but that was the current reality.

Even so, a price tag of 150 million was an extraordinary figure for an actor who had only debuted a year ago.

‘And they’ve even included a running guarantee.’

The addition of a running guarantee signaled a complete shift in treatment. It was an option typically reserved for top actors’ contracts. Moreover, this was Woo-jin’s second time receiving one. ‘Island of the Missing’ had a unique arrangement, but it still included a running guarantee.

Giants offering a running guarantee to a rookie.

Kang Woo-jin was the first instance of this. Choi Sung-gun stroked his chin, pondering.

‘It means Director Ahn Ga-bok sees Woo-jin as nearly top-tier.’

Clearly, Director Ahn Ga-bok and the production company behind ‘Leech’ held Kang Woo-jin in very high regard. It was understandable. However, Choi Sung-gun wasn’t one to simply accept it. It was audacious, but right now, Kang Woo-jin was in a position of considerable leverage.

In the cutthroat world of the entertainment industry, the one with the most ambition often holds the power.

“Yes, I’ve reviewed it. However, I’d like to bring up a few points. Currently, Woo-jin is fluent not only in foreign languages but also in sign language. Have you considered that aspect? In addition, you should also factor in his acting skills and his box office draw…”

The negotiation began. Choi Sung-gun put more emphasis into his voice than before, yet he maintained his professional demeanor. He didn’t overstep the bounds of common sense.

Soon.

“Please take good care of me, Director.”

“I should be the one saying that.”

Kang Woo-jin’s revised price was finalized.

-Kang Woo-jin / Appearance Fee: 200 million / Running guarantee of 100 won per additional viewer if the break-even point is exceeded.

It was 200 million, a figure that placed him at the cusp of the top tier. The contract proceeded smoothly, and as it was nearing completion, Director Ahn Ga-bok, with a gentle smile, spoke up.

“Oh, and we haven’t received confirmation from actor Shim Han-ho yet; we’re still waiting.”

“I see. What’s the likelihood of him joining?”

“Well, we’re actively pursuing him.”

“Hmm. I understand, I’ll inform Woo-jin of that for now.”

At this point, the film company’s CEO, who was sitting next to Ahn Ga-bok, interjected.

“What does Woo-jin say after hearing about Shim Han-ho? Does he feel any pressure?”

Choi Sung-gun relayed exactly what he had heard from Kang Woo-jin.

“No. You don’t have to worry about that. Woo-jin said he doesn’t care at all.”

“…He, he doesn’t care?”

“Yes. He’s a very grounded individual.”

“Huh—it’s Shim Han-ho, not just any actor, and he doesn’t care at all?”

Then, Ahn Ga-bok, with his arms crossed, broadened his smile.

“I told you, his nerve is unmatched in the country.”

It was a misunderstanding, but Ahn Ga-bok, thinking about Woo-jin, casually changed the subject.

“So, CEO Choi, when would you like the official announcement of Woo-jin’s casting to be made? Is there any particular reason?”

Choi Sung-gun, having quickly reviewed Kang Woo-jin’s busy schedule, replied.

“You can announce it immediately; we don’t have any conflicts at the moment. However, it would be preferable if it could be after the 5th.”

“After the 5th?”

“Yes, around December 5th or 6th, Woo-jin will be leaving for the United States to film Yoon Byung-sun PD’s ‘Our Table’. The filming period is about a week.”

“Ah—you want our movie news to fill the gap while he’s out of Korea?”

“It’s a request. It’s not absolutely necessary.”

Choi Sung-gun, having calmly stated his request, added another reason.

“And if actor Shim Han-ho joins, I think it would be beneficial to announce them together. The public might not care, but as someone in this industry, I believe it would be better.”

“So, it would create a better impression?”

“Yes. If it’s confirmed with actor Shim Han-ho, Woo-jin will be working alongside him for a long time, and I want to avoid any unintentional awkwardness.”

“Hmm—I gave the script to Shim Han-ho for the second time, but it wouldn’t be appropriate to rank the announcements.”

In other words, it was a way of saving face for the top actor in the Korean acting scene while also being courteous. Regardless of the impact, Kang Woo-jin was a rookie, and Shim Han-ho was a legend. For Choi Sung-gun, who had extensive experience in the entertainment industry, it was a simple calculation.

Furthermore.

‘It’s far better to announce Woo-jin as being associated with two legends, Director Ahn Ga-bok and Shim Han-ho, than to announce him alone.’

He had even considered the difference in the publicity impact.

“Ah, of course, if actor Shim Han-ho has difficulty joining due to circumstances, then it doesn’t matter.”

“I understand. I was planning to announce it after hearing from him anyway.”

Then, the film company’s CEO, who had been checking articles related to ‘Leech’ on his phone, chuckled softly.

“The media and public opinion are interesting. Shim Han-ho, who hasn’t even responded yet, is being treated as if he’s confirmed, while Kang Woo-jin, who isn’t even mentioned in the media, is confirmed for casting.”

Ahn Ga-bok, who was slowly resting his chin on his hand, replied casually.

“I didn’t intend for this, but people will be quite surprised.”

Later.

After the film company announced that the legendary director Ahn Ga-bok’s 100th work was aiming for Cannes [Cannes Film Festival, a prestigious international film festival].

『[MovieIS] ‘Director Ahn Ga-bok’ aims for Cannes with his 100th work that will go down in history, the atmosphere is unusual』

The interest in ‘Leech’ in the Korean film industry soared beyond imagination. The media and those involved were in a frenzy, but the most noticeable were the top actors in the country.

They began to scramble.

The desire to be involved, the curiosity about who would get the roles, the interest in the content of Director Ahn Ga-bok’s work, and the instructions to their agencies to check audition information.

“CEO! Please arrange a meeting with Director Ahn Ga-bok or his film company.”

“Huh—you can’t be serious. Hey, hey, don’t. Getting involved in that project has more disadvantages than advantages.”

“But as an actor, there’s no better opportunity.”

“If you try and get rejected, you’ll just get more gossip, and even if you join, if your acting is even slightly off, it’ll be immediately noticeable. It’s Director Ahn Ga-bok’s set, you know? What a disgrace that would be? Your value might plummet!”

“Even so, someone will get in!”

“L-let’s just observe the situation for a bit. The first choice is definitely Shim Han-ho, and the second choice will be top actors, so let’s see how things unfold first, okay?”

Of course, there were some on set who had some expectations. It was the filming location of Director Kwon Ki-taek’s ‘Island of the Missing’. Because Director Ahn Ga-bok had visited in the past, dozens of staff members speculated that the actors who would be added as second choices were on the set of ‘Island of the Missing’.

“That’s right. When Director Ahn Ga-bok came to Da Nang [a city in Vietnam] back then… he didn’t just come to visit; he came to see the actors.”

“It’s probably Ryu Jung-min, right?”

“Right? He’s the most likely. But we can’t ignore Yoo Ra either. She’s recently had success in Hollywood.”

“Even if they’re slightly less prominent than those two, Kim Yi-won and Jeon Woo-chang are also top actors, right?”

“But I saw Director Ahn Ga-bok talking to Hong Hye-yeon in Da Nang. I wonder if he came knowing it was a cameo?”

Then, Kang Woo-jin’s name came up.

“Why are you guys leaving Woo-jin out of the conversation?”

“Well—Kang Woo-jin is incredibly popular right now, but… how should I put it, he lacks experience.”

“His filmography is a bit lacking to be the lead in Director Ahn Ga-bok’s work?”

“But he might already be in talks for a supporting role.”

“Wow… even if Woo-jin is just a supporting or minor role in Director Ahn Ga-bok’s work, his filmography would be amazing??”

On the other hand, the ‘Island of the Missing’ actors, such as Ryu Jung-min and Ha Yoo-ra, didn’t react much. But they were all paying attention internally.

The only one who was certain here was Director Kwon Ki-taek.

‘…Shim Han-ho—why did his name come up before Woo-jin’s? Did something happen with Woo-jin’s side?’

He knew Ahn Ga-bok’s intentions. But the situation was confusing.

Several hours passed like this.

Around early afternoon, Director Ahn Ga-bok, the main subject of the current buzz, was in an interview with a major film magazine. It was a place that Ahn Ga-bok had personally arranged to clear up the numerous rumors and to introduce his work. There were quite a few cameras. The woman asking Ahn Ga-bok questions was a broadcaster who used to be an announcer.

“Director, there was a recent article of you being seen with actor Shim Han-ho. Is the content of the article true? Is actor Shim Han-ho joining your 100th film?”

Ahn Ga-bok, with his short white hair, smiled like an experienced veteran.

“Haha, at the time of that article, I was just having a meal with actor Shim Han-ho.”

“Ah—so it’s fake news after all?”

“The possibility is still open.”

The woman nodded and changed the subject.

“Then, Director, you said that this work is aiming for Cannes! Is the script finished?”

“Yes, it is.”

“Oh! Can you tell us the title?”

“I named it ‘Leech’. This is the first time I’m talking about it here.”

“Thank you! As you know, there’s a lot of interest from domestic actors, right? Is there any actor you’re keeping an eye on?”

“Of course, the casting board is already set. I’m still deliberating.”

“I see.”

“Hmm, the actor casting part is still confidential, so it’s hard to tell you everything. There are also the actors’ circumstances. It will be announced when it’s finalized. But the script has already been passed on to two actors.”

An hour after this interview ended.

Ahn Ga-bok was in a van. His destination was his home. Because he had a very tight schedule today, a slight fatigue was visible on Ahn Ga-bok’s face. Then, his phone rang.

-♬♪

Ahn Ga-bok slowly checked his phone screen. The caller was the mega-star Shim Han-ho. Then, Ahn Ga-bok, with a gentle smile, answered the phone and murmured softly.

“So, have you decided? I wonder if my urging worked.”

Over the phone, Shim Han-ho’s calm yet deep voice was heard.

“Yes. I’ll take the role you offered me, senior.”

The second lead actor of ‘Leech’ was confirmed.

That same night.

The 9 o’clock news was on a public channel on TV. And now, the incident involving Hwa-rin that happened yesterday was being reported.

[“Yesterday, singer and actress Hwa-rin was attacked by a stranger in a parking lot. The stranger had an awl in his hand, but fortunately, Hwa-rin did not suffer any major injuries. This is reporter Hwang Dae-gi.”]

Of course, it was reported by Hwa-rin’s agency, JML Entertainment. Therefore, only the necessary details were released. Photos of the stranger being arrested, the awl he was holding, the evidence found in the car, and photos of Hwa-rin taken by the camera, etc.

It was enough to create a sense of fear.

For reference, Kang Woo-jin’s involvement was omitted from the news. Anyway, starting with this news, Hwa-rin’s incident quickly spread to other news outlets, radio, and various media. Hwa-rin’s agency had intended it, but the incident was so shocking and serious that it spread in the blink of an eye.

Therefore, as soon as the news ended, all major media outlets began to mention Hwa-rin’s name.

『[Breaking News] Elani’s ‘Hwa-rin’ Attacked by a Stranger』

Even though it was night, articles poured out like crazy.

『What is this? ‘Hwa-rin’ attacked by a stranger in a parking lot… The stranger had an awl in his hand / Photo』

『[Star Talk] Hwa-rin attacked by a stalker… Agency says, “Fortunately, there are no injuries”』

『Guards subdued him, thank goodness… Hwa-rin attacked by a stranger with an awl』

It quickly dominated the entertainment news.

『Another sasaeng fan [an obsessive fan who stalks or engages in other intrusive behavior]? What will happen to ‘Hwa-rin’s’ schedule after the attack?』

『Regarding the stranger who attacked Hwa-rin, the police say, “Currently under investigation, but the evidence is clear”』

In other words, many people could confirm this incident.

『[Official] JML Entertainment on ‘Hwa-rin’ attack incident, “Strong response, no leniency” declared』

『JML Entertainment draws a line, saying they will strictly deal with sasaeng fans and stalkers in any situation from now on』

『“Sasaeng fan? No, a criminal” Elani fan club enraged』

The anger of Hwa-rin’s fans, the girl group ‘Elani’s’ fans, and the public exploded.

-An awl??? An awl??????? This is a complete psycho??????

-DisgustingㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋSasaeng fan my ass, just a murderer

-ㅠㅠㅠㅜㅠㅜㅠㅜHwa-rin unnie must have been so shocked…. Ugh, that bastard…. I want to beat him up…

-I saw the news and it was so creepy…. Hwa-rin, who saw someone running at her with an awl in front of her eyes…. She’ll probably think about it every night…

-Sasaeng fan no no no, criminal yes yes yes yes

-Is he Chucky or something???

-They should never show leniency; they keep letting them off easy, so these idiots don’t know what fear is and act up

-ㄷㄷㄷㄷㄷㄷㄷㄷㄷAn awlㄷㄷㄷㄷㄷㄷㄷㄷㄷMore scary than a knife

-But who subdued that stranger?? The news shows the guards holding him down

-Of course, the guards caught him

-(Link) If you go to this YouTube, there’s a summary of the incident; it’s so creepy…. The evidence camera has hundreds of photos of Hwa-rinㄷㄷㄷㄷㄷ

-ㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋWow, I can’t believe I’m seeing this kind of article in my lifeㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ

-Hwa-rin unnieㅠㅠㅠShe must be so disillusioned with the entertainment industry……

Not just in limited places, but simultaneously on YouTube, communities, and various social media. As the situation escalated rapidly, Hwa-rin posted an update on her SNS.

『Hwa-rin conveys her current status on SNS to her concerned fans, “I’m okay, I love everyone who worried about me”』

The public’s anger intensified even more.

At the same time, in the underground parking lot of a building.

A very familiar place. Looking closely, it was the underground parking lot where Hwa-rin’s stalker incident had occurred yesterday. It was late at night, so there weren’t many cars, and it was quiet.

At that moment.

-Swoosh.

A man walks towards a black foreign car from B company parked in the parking lot. The spot was right in front of the elevator glass door. The man, who was holding a bag in one hand, looked to be in his 40s and had a refined appearance. Soon, the man got into the driver’s seat of the foreign car and let out a sigh.

“Ugh—I’m so damn tired.”

After grumbling, he checked his face in the rearview mirror and was about to start the engine when he paused.

“Ah.”

As if something had come to mind, he took out his phone from his bag. The man accessed the foreign car’s original black box app.

“Is today the day to delete them?”

It was his usual habit. Deleting the videos stored in the black box every week. He had heard somewhere that it was a good thing to do. Then, when the man touched the phone screen, the black box videos that had been stored were displayed.

What was unusual was.

“…Huh?”

His eyes widened slightly as he checked the videos. The reason was simple. Among the things stored in the black box, there was one video that caught his eye. Situations that were filmed right in front of his car.

Is this a movie? Was there filming in the parking lot? The video showed scenes that resembled an action movie.

“What, what is this?”

The main character was Kang Woo-jin.

End