I was Mistaken as a Monstrous Genius Actor [EN]: Chapter 185

The man, engrossed in the black box footage on his phone, couldn’t shake off the feeling of disbelief. He’d replayed the same video more than three times, yet it still held his attention. The scene it captured was truly extraordinary.

No, it was beyond extraordinary; it was astonishing.

‘Whoa—is this not a movie set?’

The black box usually just recorded mundane things like cars passing by or people walking around. But now, it was showing what looked like an action movie, which made his eyes widen. The man, who looked quite intelligent, checked the beginning and end of the video he was watching.

-Swish.

‘Wow, this is insane.’

His eyes widened even further. The reason was simple: he could see a crazy guy attacking a woman with a weapon, only to be quickly subdued and taken away by the police who swarmed the scene. The man forgot all about going home, even though it was late, and focused intently on his phone screen.

‘Wait, if it was this big of an incident, wouldn’t it be all over the internet by now?’

The man was certain that an incident of this magnitude would have been reported on the news.

Then.

‘Huh? Hold on a minute.’

He focused on the woman in the video, the one who was attacked. When she was further away, her face was a bit unclear. But after seeing the part where she passed in front of the car, supported by other women, the man was sure.

‘That’s… Hwa-rin.’

The woman who was attacked was none other than Hwa-rin from the famous group ‘Elani’. An entertainer? Wait a minute, then? The man carefully scanned the videos again. Soon, he figured out who the handsome man who subdued the assailant in an instant was.

‘K, Kang Woo-jin?? This is Kang Woo-jin, right?’

He wasn’t particularly interested in male celebrities, but he couldn’t help but recognize Kang Woo-jin’s face. He had recently watched ‘Drug Lord’ with his wife, and the actor was so popular that it was hard not to know him.

And that Kang Woo-jin subdued the assailant?

The man replayed the part where the man, who he believed to be Kang Woo-jin, was restraining the assailant. After realizing that the man in the video was indeed the actor Kang Woo-jin, it felt even more like a scene from a movie.

‘So cool, what is this? Did Kang Woo-jin save Hwa-rin or something?’

This was definitely a huge deal. There was no way it hadn’t spread on the internet. Hwa-rin and Kang Woo-jin were both very famous, and the story was incredible. The man closed the black box app and immediately opened a search engine.

The search term was Hwa-rin.

And as expected.

‘That’s right, it’s out there.’

When he searched for Hwa-rin, the incident captured by the black box was all over the news.

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

It was utter chaos. Not only news articles but also YouTube videos, online forums, blogs, and social media were all filled with it. There were also tons of comments. It was indeed a shocking incident. The man spent a few minutes trying to grasp the situation.

‘The black box video was recorded yesterday… and the incident was made public a few hours ago, roughly?’

He felt a strange sense of wonder. The incident captured by his car’s black box was shaking the world.

It was then.

‘Hmm? What’s this?’

The man, who was skimming through the articles, noticed something was off.

『Guards Subdued the Assailant, Thank Goodness… Hwa-rin Attacked by a Stranger with an Awl』

No matter which article he looked at, or which YouTube video he checked, the main character was nowhere to be seen.

‘Where did Kang Woo-jin go?’

Kang Woo-jin was missing.

What was going on? His name was nowhere to be found in the numerous articles. He should have been there; he had to be there. Kang Woo-jin was the one who subdued the assailant, right? It was so cool, like a scene from a movie, so he thought it would definitely be known? But the articles only mentioned that the guards had taken care of it. Even Hwa-rin’s agency’s statement didn’t mention Kang Woo-jin.

Of course, what the media was reporting was all true.

But it was as if Kang Woo-jin had been erased from the man’s black box video. Additionally, there were no CCTV videos anywhere in the articles. At best, there were photos that looked like screenshots from the video.

‘······’

The man’s fingers tapping on his phone screen gradually became faster. And then he was certain.

‘My black box video… is it a jackpot?’

He was the only one who had the full picture of this incident. Plus, the existence of the hidden Kang Woo-jin. If this video was released in the current situation, wouldn’t it attract an enormous amount of attention? It was close to a scoop. This was more instinct than calculation.

In an instant, several words flashed through the man’s mind.

He was thinking about how to handle the black box video that had turned into a gold mine.

‘YouTube? News tip? Online community?’

The next day, the 4th. Late morning.

Even after the night and dawn had passed, the incident of Hwa-rin’s attack had not subsided.

『The ‘Sasaeng Fan’ [obsessive fan] Problem Re-emerges with This ‘Hwa-rin’ Attack Incident』

It had actually become more severe. Since the news broke last night, people who were just finding out were joining in droves. The media, public opinion, entertainment industry figures, and so on.

『[Issue Pick] JML Entertainment Homepage, Hwa-rin’s Fans’ Outcry: “Reveal the Identity of That Stalker XX!”』

The incident had grown exponentially, several times larger than the night before, and public interest had skyrocketed. Of course, the outrage was just as intense.

Meanwhile, there was still no mention of Kang Woo-jin.

In any case, a red light had been turned on for everyone related to Hwa-rin. This included her agency, as well as the various programs she was involved in. Among them, the most affected were PD [Production Director] Yoon Byung-sun and the ‘Our Table’ team.

『Hwa-rin, Who Suffered an Incident Before ‘Our Table’s’ Departure to the US, to Drop Out?』

It was inevitable. The variety show ‘Our Table,’ which Hwa-rin was participating in, was scheduled to depart for the US on the 6th, two days from now. But in the current situation, Hwa-rin might not even be able to participate in the first filming. It wouldn’t be easy to film a variety show when she had suffered a mental shock.

Thanks to that.

‘Hasn’t there been any contact from Hwa-rin or her agency yet?’

‘No, PD-nim. Shouldn’t we revise the schedule with Hwa-rin’s absence in mind?’

‘That seems like the best option.’

The ‘Our Table’ team, including PD Yoon Byung-sun, was in a state of emergency. They had expressed their concern for Hwa-rin immediately after hearing about the incident last night, but reality was reality, and they couldn’t stop ‘Our Table’ just because Hwa-rin wasn’t there.

‘First, contact the cast members. And for Hwa-rin, let’s consider her joining during the first filming, or if that’s difficult, skipping this one and joining from the second filming next year.’

‘Understood, PD-nim!’

Around this time.

-Bzzzt, bzzzt.

The phone of the flustered PD Yoon Byung-sun rang with the caller he had been waiting for. It was Hwa-rin. Soon, PD Yoon Byung-sun, who quickly answered the phone, heard Hwa-rin’s calm voice.

‘PD-nim. I’m sorry for contacting you so late.’

‘Oh, oh, no, no, not at all! More importantly, are you okay?’

‘Yes. I’m fine.’

‘That’s a relief, really.’

‘And there won’t be any problems with the departure on the 6th.’

‘Ah… you don’t have to push yourself.’

‘No. It’s not pushing myself.’

Hwa-rin was a professional. Although a huge incident had occurred, she didn’t seem to have any intention of missing the first filming of ‘Our Table’.

‘I’ll see you on the 6th, PD-nim.’

That Hwa-rin was currently at home.

To be precise, in front of the sofa in her living room.

She was wearing white pajamas and had no makeup on. Even so, the mole under her eye and her beauty were eye-catching. Then, after Hwa-rin finished her call with PD Yoon Byung-sun, she slowly lowered her phone. Her expression was slightly melancholic. It would have been strange if she was full of energy.

Anyway, she hugged her knees and turned her gaze to the laptop on the table in front of her.

-Click, click.

With a few clicks of the mouse, she was buying something while resting at home.

‘It’s been a while since I bought perfume.’

It was perfume. What else could it be? The perfume that Kang Woo-jin had silently told her about during the chaos of the assailant’s attack. Maybe it was because of the Kang Woo-jin effect, but Hwa-rin was able to calm down to some extent thanks to that scent.

‘I’ll buy two, no, three.’

Hwa-rin, who had coolly bought three perfumes, moved the mouse. She was checking her articles that were still exploding like crazy. Then, Hwa-rin let out a small sigh.

‘······People should have seen how awesome Woo-jin-nim was.’

Even in this situation, she was fangirling. But what could she do? Woo-jin didn’t want that.

At that moment.

-Bzzzt.

-Bzzzt.

Hwa-rin’s phone, which was placed next to her laptop, vibrated briefly. Not just once, but several times. In fact, it had been non-stop since yesterday. It was the worries and calls from her fellow celebrities. She had talked to her close friend Hong Hye-yeon yesterday. The calls were still coming in, but Hwa-rin wasn’t answering them.

She didn’t have the energy.

However, she did send messages to several people through the chat on her laptop.

Here, her phone vibrated again.

-Bzzzt, bzzzt.

This time it was long. It was a call. But Hwa-rin had no intention of answering it; she just checked the caller displayed on her phone screen. What was interesting was.

‘Oh!’

Her listless eyes suddenly became lively. She immediately picked up her phone. It was obvious.

‘Ahem! Ah, ah!’

The person was someone she would clear her throat for. In other words, it was a call from her favorite, Kang Woo-jin. Soon, Hwa-rin put the phone to her ear.

‘…Hello?’

Woo-jin’s voice on the other end of the phone was as low as ever.

‘Hello, Hwa-rin-ssi.’

‘Ah? Ahem, hello.’

‘Did you buy the perfume?’

‘Pardon?’

‘The perfume.’

For some reason, Hwa-rin chuckled.

‘…I just bought it. Three of them.’

‘Is that so?’

‘Yes, it is.’

‘That’s good, then.’

As Woo-jin was about to hang up, Hwa-rin threw out another question.

‘I’m okay, Woo-jin-ssi.’

‘······’

‘You didn’t call to ask about the perfume, did you?’

‘That’s a relief. Have a meal.’

‘Yes, thank you.’

-Click.

After ending the short call, Hwa-rin leaned her head back on the sofa behind her. Naturally, she looked at the ceiling and let out a breath.

‘Ha-‘

In an instant, Hwa-rin recalled the scene of the assailant attacking her. It was as vivid as if it had happened just a few minutes ago. What was unusual was that Hwa-rin was focused not on the fear of the assailant, but on herself, who had only seen Kang Woo-jin amidst the explosion of fear.

‘He was so damn cool.’

A strange emotion spread.

‘If Woo-jin-nim keeps doing that… I’m going to become more than just a fan.’

Afternoon of the 5th, at writer Choi Na-na’s studio.

About six people were sitting at the desk in the center of the living room. There was writer Choi Na-na with her round glasses in front of her laptop, an assistant writer, PD Song Man-woo looking at a pile of papers, the production manager and staff from DM Production, and a casting director who had just arrived.

They were all part of the ‘Beneficial Evil’ team.

The atmosphere was neither high nor low. They were currently in the middle of the script meeting for episode 3. It was also nearing the end, as PD Song Man-woo closed the script he was looking at, and writer Choi Na-na, who swallowed nervously, asked without confidence.

‘H-how is it, PD-nim?’

PD Song Man-woo smiled.

‘It’s fun. I especially like the increased pace.’

‘Really?’

Writer Choi Na-na’s face brightened up. At this moment, the production manager chimed in.

‘Definitely—PD-nim’s decision seems to be a stroke of genius. Reducing 16 episodes to 12.’

That’s right. There had been a change in the planning of ‘Beneficial Evil’. What was originally 16 episodes had been reduced to 12. The plot was compressed to increase the tension and pace of the drama, and it was also a decision for season 2.

Anyway.

‘Let’s take a short break. Writer-nim, there are drinks in the fridge, right?’

PD Song Man-woo with his stubble moved to the refrigerator, and writer Choi Na-na hurriedly followed.

‘Yes, yes! There are! I bought mango juice because you said you liked it.’

‘From writer Park?’

‘That’s right.’

‘I’m sick of it, writer Park gave me that all the time.’

‘Then there’s cola.’

‘Zero? I find this too bland.’

As they were having a small conversation, the production manager, who was looking at his phone, brought up another topic.

‘Hwa-rin’s incident is getting bigger and bigger.’

The casting director responded.

‘It’ll probably last at least a week. Sasaeng fans and stalkers are common for female celebrities, but it’s rare for someone to attack with a weapon.’

‘It was an awl, right?’

‘After reading the article, I wondered what kind of crazy person would do that. Hwa-rin could have been seriously hurt. If she had been injured… ugh, if I were Hwa-rin, I would have retired.’

‘It’s a good thing there were guards around.’

PD Song Man-woo, who returned with a cola in his hand, continued the conversation.

‘Even after such a big incident, Hwa-rin said she’s going to continue with her schedule. She’s a pro, a pro. The rookies should learn from her.’

‘Ah, ‘Our Table’? I heard they’re leaving for the US tomorrow. I guess it’s because she started working from a young age—Hwa-rin is amazing.’

As the topic of ‘Our Table’s’ trip to the US came up, the casting director, who was taking out a transparent file, quickly changed the subject.

‘PD-nim, isn’t Woo-jin-ssi also leaving for the US tomorrow?’

‘…That’s right.’

‘You haven’t received confirmation of his appearance yet, have you?’

‘Hmm.’

‘I think the ‘Our Table’ filming in the US will take more than a week. Woo-jin-ssi’s decision is taking a bit long… he couldn’t have not read the entire script yet.’

At his words, the atmosphere immediately became gloomy. Writer Choi Na-na’s expression was mixed with gloom, and PD Song Man-woo scratched his head as if he had many thoughts. Meanwhile, the realistic casting director spoke again.

‘It seems like we should move forward with Plan B, which doesn’t include Woo-jin-ssi, instead of Plan A, which is the best option. There’s also the time it takes for the actors to read the script after it’s been sent. If it drags on too long, there’s no solution. The actors’ outlines need to be somewhat clear so that other things related to pre-production can pick up speed.’

He wasn’t wrong. The general manager, PD Song Man-woo, had to make a decision soon. If it was sluggish, the production speed would slow down, and the combat power of the already formed key staff and writer Choi Na-na would also decrease.

Here, the production manager, who had a disappointed expression, reopened the script for episode 3.

‘Hoo—I guess Woo-jin-ssi was a bit burdened by the ‘martial arts’ part?’

‘Well, if it’s not the content, it’s the action. The script is well-written, so he must have been a bit hesitant about the martial arts.’

‘There are more and more action scenes as it goes on, and they get rougher, so he must have thought about his image.’

‘It might also include what the martial arts director said at the time. He judged that it would be difficult to handle martial arts training on top of Woo-jin-ssi’s already packed schedule. Maybe the desk made the decision instead of Woo-jin-ssi. What do you think, PD-nim?’

‘Woo-jin-ssi is not the type to be hesitant or have a hard time with anything.’

In an instant, anxiety gripped PD Song Man-woo.

‘Surely… Woo-jin-ssi said it was fun.’

But that was just after briefly looking at the first episode of the script. Could it be that the totem had been activated? That he didn’t feel good after reading the rest of the script. PD Song Man-woo, who almost religiously worshipped Kang Woo-jin, had a dark expression.

‘…Hoo—for now, let’s proceed with Plan B, but I’ll contact Woo-jin-ssi tomorrow.’

It was then.

-♬♪

PD Song Man-woo’s phone in his pants pocket rang. PD Song Man-woo, who took out his phone without thinking, had his pupils dilate.

Why?

‘It’s here.’

Because the caller ID was Kang Woo-jin. As a result, everyone else’s mouths dropped open, and PD Song Man-woo with his stubble put the phone in the center and answered the call. It was on speakerphone.

‘Oh, oh, Woo-jin-ssi.’

Soon, everyone heard Kang Woo-jin’s heavy voice.

‘I’m sorry, PD-nim. I was a bit late in contacting you.’

‘No, no, not at all. Have you read the entire script?’

‘Yes.’

‘Haha, well—there’s more martial arts than you thought, right? If there’s anything you’re burdened by, we can try to reduce it a bit.’

‘No. Then the essence of ‘Beneficial Evil’ won’t come alive.’

‘That’s true.’

‘I don’t mind if there’s more martial arts.’

The production manager and casting director narrowed their brows at Woo-jin’s bursting confidence. Was it real? On the other hand, writer Choi Na-na’s breathing quickened. It was anticipation, and PD Song Man-woo with his stubble, who seemed slightly surprised, asked Woo-jin on the other end of the phone.

‘Y-you don’t mind if there’s more martial arts?’

‘Yes. If it makes the picture of ‘Beneficial Evil’ better.’

As expected, there was no backing down in Kang Woo-jin’s answer.

‘PD-nim, I’ll do ‘Jang Yeon-woo’.’

End