I was Mistaken as a Monstrous Genius Actor [EN]: Chapter 186

Kang Woo-jin’s voice was firm over the phone.

‘PD-nim [Production Director], I’ll do ‘Jang Yeon-woo’.’

Writer Choi Na-na covered her mouth with both hands and jumped up from her seat, her eyes wide with excitement.

‘Ah…’

It was pure emotion. The production manager and casting director also froze, not in bewilderment or disbelief, but in pleasant shock, bordering on elation. Hearing it directly from Kang Woo-jin, not through someone else, doubled the impact.

And then.

‘Really? Woo-jin is going to do it?’

PD Song Man-woo, grinning from ear to ear, felt like he’d gone through hell and heaven in a brief moment. The negative thoughts he’d just had vanished instantly at the news that Kang Woo-jin would take the role.

‘Kang-totem, so reliable.’

Even though he was a big shot in the drama world, PD Song Man-woo was like a devoted believer in front of the ‘Kang-totem’ [referring to Kang Woo-jin as a reliable figure]. Whatever the case, Woo-jin’s calm voice continued from the other end of the phone.

‘Yes, PD-nim. The script was fun, and I like the character ‘Jang Yeon-woo’. I’ll do it.’

‘Haha, great. I’m so grateful.’

‘Ah, is it overlapping with another actor?’

‘No way! We haven’t given the script to anyone else but you, Woo-jin.’

The word ‘longing’ popped into his head, but PD Song Man-woo tried hard to suppress it.

‘Woo-jin, you’re the first actor for ‘Beneficial Evil’.’

‘Understood.’

‘Now, we need to build the cast around Woo-jin, hahaha. Before that, I need to brag to writer Park.’

PD Song Man-woo, who was making light jokes, changed the subject as something suddenly occurred to him.

‘Ah, but Woo-jin.’

‘Yes.’

‘Did you consider your entire schedule before making this decision? You know there will be martial arts training involved. The choreography will be a bit complex too. The action scenes are quite significant.’

‘Yes.’

‘Are you sure you’re okay with that?’

At that moment, everyone in the studio, including PD Song Man-woo, looked down at their phones, their expressions serious. On the other hand, Woo-jin’s voice from the phone was as calm as ever.

‘What do you mean?’

Was he the right choice after all? PD Song Man-woo smiled. It was a needless worry. Martial arts were probably not even a concern for Kang Woo-jin.

‘No, never mind. Okay, Woo-jin is confirmed as the main lead for ‘Beneficial Evil’. Ah, there will be a simple martial arts test before the script reading.’

‘Is that so?’

‘Um. It’s nothing difficult, just something that action projects usually do. The martial arts director checks the actor’s form. Whether they’re flexible or stiff, things like that.’

After Woo-jin’s short reply, as if he understood, the person on the other end of the phone changed. It was Choi Sung-gun’s voice.

‘Hello, PD-nim, this is Choi Sung-gun.’

‘Ah, CEO Choi.’

‘Uh—I’m leaving for the US tomorrow and will contact you about a week after I return. We can discuss the details at that meeting.’

‘Okay, I understand.’

‘Have a good one!’

‘You too, CEO Choi.’

-Click.

As soon as the call ended, the casting director also jumped up like writer Choi Na-na. However, it was more out of professional passion than excitement.

‘PD-nim, I’m going to send out the script with the A-list casting board right away!! If Kang Woo-jin is confirmed, it’s a piece of cake!!’

‘Okay, okay!’

The production manager also picked up his phone and followed the casting director.

‘I’ll contact the key staff and schedule the next production meeting! Ah, the key staff will be thrilled! Ah, I’ll start preparing the contract too!’

Soon, the two disappeared from the studio, and writer Choi Na-na, still looking like she couldn’t believe it, sat down on her chair with difficulty.

‘Wow… I can’t believe Woo-jin is actually going to do it.’

PD Song Man-woo’s smile deepened.

‘Now, our writer Choi just needs to write the script.’

‘Thank you! I think it’s all thanks to you, PD-nim!’

‘What? It’s because your script is good.’

‘Ah! But what did Woo-jin’s agency CEO mean by ‘details’?’

‘Woo-jin’s agreement to play ‘Jang Yeon-woo’ is a verbal confirmation. He’s saying to prepare the build-up while he’s in the US.’

‘Huh??’

‘It’s a confirmed casting, but not really. We still have the formal contract. That’s where we’ll negotiate.’

PD Song Man-woo shrugged his shoulders and answered as if it were obvious.

‘Things like his fee and options.’

Meanwhile, at the same time. In Kang Woo-jin’s van.

Woo-jin, who had just finished his call with PD Song Man-woo, was on his way to his next schedule. He was wearing full makeup and a long coat, indicating the colder weather. However, he was planning to leave work a bit early today. He had to meet with the ‘Our Table’ team at the airport early tomorrow morning.

‘Time flies so fast.’

Although his face was expressionless, Kang Woo-jin’s heart began to pound as he looked out the window. Then, something clicked, and he picked up one of the scripts piled around him, trying to hide his excitement.

-‘Beneficial Evil’

It was the first episode script of ‘Beneficial Evil’, which he had just confirmed his appearance in. However, Woo-jin didn’t open the script. He just secretly poked the black square attached to the side of the script.

Kang Woo-jin entered the subspace in an instant.

After confirming the endless darkness, he turned around. His destination was the place where white squares were lined up. Among them, Woo-jin was about to check the updated ‘Beneficial Evil’ at the very end.

‘It was S+ when I first received it, right?’

But the situation had changed. Now, he was confirmed as the lead. So, it was natural for the grade of ‘Beneficial Evil’ to change. It had always been like that. With that slight expectation, Woo-jin looked at the white square of ‘Beneficial Evil’.

And then.

‘Wow, this is awesome.’

He smiled genuinely, without any pretense. The grade of ‘Beneficial Evil’.

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

It had reached the highest grade in the subspace.

Back to reality.

The domestic entertainment industry, which had become incredibly busy at the end of the year, was full of issues. It was always hectic around this time of year, but this year, it felt several times more chaotic than usual.

『[Entertainment] Year-end atmosphere is in full swing… Broadcasting and film industries focus on preparing for various award ceremonies, what will happen this year?』

Eye-catching issues were mixed in every sector of the entertainment industry.

In the film industry, of course.

『[Official] Director Ahn Ga-bok announces the title of his 100th film in a media interview, “The title is ‘Leech’”』

『Director Ahn Ga-bok’s ambitious work ‘Leech’, aiming for Cannes, ‘Shim Han-ho’ is not yet confirmed… Many top actors are showing interest↑』

『’Leech’ script is out, Director Ahn Ga-bok says, “I’ve already given the script to two actors”』

Even in the variety show industry.

『Yoon PD’s ‘Our Table’ leaving for the US tomorrow / Photo』

『[Issue IS] ‘Hwa-rin’ was expected to be absent from ‘Our Table’… Agency says, “She will fulfill her schedule without any problems”』

There was a flood of news to see, dissect, chew on, and enjoy. Among them, the hottest topic was, of course, Hwa-rin’s incident. The media and public opinion kept adding fuel to the fire. Not only that, but famous influencers and fellow celebrities mentioned Hwa-rin on social media, and big YouTubers and streamers also covered the attack incident.

Since it was the most sensational incident, the impact was enormous.

What poured gasoline on it was, absurdly, the stalker who committed the attack. An interview he gave to the media during the investigation was released to the world.

[‘Why did you attack Hwa-rin?!’]

[‘…I was going to punish her. I didn’t really intend to stab her. Hwa-rin is too promiscuous. But I didn’t expect to be interrupted. Suddenly, that bastard blocked Hwa-rin… I should have thought a little more before attacking.’]

Although his face was covered with a hood and he was handcuffed, the stalker showed no remorse.

『[Breaking] Stalker who attacked ‘Hwa-rin’ says, “I punished her because Hwa-rin is too promiscuous”』

This further fueled the public’s outrage.

-Wow, I want to beat the crap out of him!!!!!!!!

-That kind of bastard doesn’t even deserve prison food, just give him the death penalty

-What do you mean promiscuous?ㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋHe’s a real psychoㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅗㅗㅗㅗ

-But who was it that blocked her??? Are they talking about the guards???

-They’re talking about the guards who blocked him ㅇㅇ

-What a moron… He’d be pissing and shitting himself if he got stabbed with an awl

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The stalker’s self-inflicted public anger. However, the explosion of anger wasn’t limited to Korea. Hwa-rin and her group ‘Elani’ were also a top-tier girl group in Japan.

In other words, this incident was also covered as a major story in Japan.

『Elani’s “Hwa-rin” attacked with an awl by a stalker』

『Korea is noisy with the “Hwa-rin” attack incident, the reason why you should be careful of sasaeng fans [obsessive fans]』

『Domestic fans express anger on SNS over the “Hwa-rin” attack incident』

『“Hwa-rin” who was fortunately not seriously injured, shares news with Korean and domestic fans on SNS』

In Japan, as in Korea, this attack incident seemed quite shocking. Thanks to this, the Japanese public’s interest escalated, and Hwa-rin’s Japanese fans screamed in anger. It spread in an instant.

In this situation, full of issues, the day ended, and the next day, the 6th, dawned.

December 6th, early morning, around 5 am.

Most people were asleep or barely starting their day. However, in one officetel [a studio apartment building], some of the most prominent celebrities in Korea were gathering.

Among them, Kang Woo-jin, wearing a hoodie and coat, was also seen.

Even though it was early morning, his concept was strong. He sat on the sofa with a cynical face. But inside, he was jumping up and down.

‘Am I really going? Am I really going to America?!’

Why? Because in a few hours, he was scheduled to board a plane to the US for the first filming of ‘Our Table’. It was different from Japan. He was finally going to a country where he would actually use English, not just superficially.

‘Stay calm, Kang Woo-jin.’

Anyway, the cast members gradually gathered at the officetel, which served as the office for ‘Our Table’. Kang Woo-jin, of course, Hong Hye-yeon sitting next to him, Hwa-rin talking to her, and Ahn Jong-hak, Ha Kang-soo, and Yeon Baek-gwang around PD Yoon Byung-sun. For reference, Hwa-rin, who was chatting with Hong Hye-yeon, seemed to be fine, thankfully.

‘Hmm? Hwa-rin, you changed your perfume?’

‘Huh?? Ah—yeah, I got a recommendation.’

‘I’ve smelled it somewhere before. It’s nice, where is it from?’

‘Secret?’

‘What’s with the sudden mystery?’

Other cast members and staff didn’t bring up the attack incident to Hwa-rin. They were about to leave, so there was no point in bringing up the incident, and everyone knew that Hwa-rin was struggling inside, even though she seemed fine on the outside.

Soon.

‘Okay, everyone! Let’s go!’

PD Yoon Byung-sun and the main writer had finished preparing for departure. The remaining dozens of staff members were waiting outside the officetel. Soon, VJs with cameras were attached to each of the cast members, including Kang Woo-jin, who was wearing a microphone. It was at this moment that PD Yoon Byung-sun, with an excited face, gave instructions.

‘Everyone will travel to the airport in their own cars, and of course, the cameras will be on! There will probably be reporters at the airport, so we’ll do a short interview for the broadcast and then start the boarding process! As you all know, just act normal until we get to the airport, don’t feel pressured because the cameras are on!’

As soon as PD Yoon Byung-sun’s brief instructions were over, the mass movement began. Since they would meet again on the plane, there was no communication between the cast members. Kang Woo-jin also moved to the underground parking lot with Choi Sung-gun and other staff members.

-Vroom!

They departed. Several vans and minivans parked in the parking lot started driving to the airport at the same time, and inside the van, Kang Woo-jin glanced at the camera right next to him.

‘They’re really filming all the time? Does this mean I’m going to be in character all the time except when I’m sleeping? This is tough, really tough.’

He spoke to the male VJ holding the camera.

‘Can I really just act normal?’

‘Yes, just act normal.’

‘I usually read scripts while traveling.’

‘You can read them. The PD will probably use it as an insert.’

‘I see. Would you like a snack or something?’

‘No. You can treat me like I’m not even here, haha.’

How can I treat you like you’re not here when you’re right here? Woo-jin thought to himself, and then picked up any of the paper stacks nearby. It turned out to be ‘A Stranger’s Bizarre Sacrifice’. Well, does it matter? Woo-jin started reading the scenario again with a solemn expression.

Two hours passed like that.

Soon, the entire ‘Our Table’ team arrived at Incheon Airport.

‘Let’s move!!’

With PD Yoon Byung-sun and the ‘Our Table’ staff, cast members, and their staff all moving at once, it was a huge scale. Anyway, it was only after arriving at the airport that the six cast members gathered. Of course, there were also six VJs. Including the VJs filming the overall shots and the surrounding scenery, there were more than 10 people.

It was obvious that they were a filming crew.

Thanks to that, the ‘Our Table’ team caught the attention of many people from the airport lobby. Even though it was morning, there were many people at the airport. Crowds of onlookers gathered in an instant.

‘Wow!!! Over there, over there!!’

‘Why, why!!? Ah!! Amazing! Hong Hye-yeon, Hong Hye-yeon!!’

‘Kyaaaa!! Oppa!! Oppa!!!’

‘It’s Hwa-rin!! What is it??! Is it filming?!’

‘Over here!! Please look over here!!!’

‘Wow!! Kang Woo-jin!! He looks insane in real life!!’

‘This is that one! ‘Our Table’!!’

Even though the prepared guards blocked the onlookers, they surged like waves. Still, the guards’ defense was solid. PD Yoon Byung-sun had deployed more guards than expected because of Hwa-rin’s incident.

Then.

‘Unnie [term for older sister]!! Hwa-rin unnie!! Stay strong!!’

‘Oppa!! Here’s a gift!! Woo-jin oppa!’

‘Have a good trip, Baek-gwang!!!’

With the addition of fans who had been waiting, the number of people quickly exceeded several hundred. They were all taking pictures and videos with their phones. It was a bonus that gifts from fans were thrown in droves while the guards were blocking them.

At this point, Kang Woo-jin, who had a stern face, was flustered.

‘What, what is this? Is it a grenade? This is crazy.’

Since there were five top stars besides him, it felt like a nuclear bomb had gone off at the airport. There was no time to pay attention to the gifts that had fallen on the floor. They had to move as quickly as possible to avoid an accident, and the ‘Our Table’ team barely managed to reach the area around the departure hall where dozens of reporters were gathered.

Immediately, a barrage of flashes poured down.

-Flash! Flash!

-Flash! Flash! Flash!

Questions from reporters poured out in a daze, but due to the crowd of onlookers, which was twice as large as expected, the ‘Our Table’ team didn’t have time for interviews. All they could do was wave their hands at the reporters. Kang Woo-jin did too, of course.

Soon, with a shout from PD Yoon Byung-sun, the leader of the ‘Our Table’ team.

‘Okay! That’s enough, pass, pass!’

The ‘Our Table’ team began the departure process for their flight to the US. Then, exactly one hour later.

‘It’s taking off! It’s taking off!’

Kang Woo-jin was flying in the sky.

Of course, this news was quickly released on the internet.

『[Issue Pick] Ahn Jong-hak, Ha Kang-soo, Hong Hye-yeon, Hwa-rin, Yeon Baek-gwang, and Kang Woo-jin… ‘Our Table’ team departs for the US!』

Interestingly, around the time the US-bound plane carrying Kang Woo-jin took off, news broke that a top overseas star was arriving in Korea.

『[Hollywood] “Amazing”, Hollywood actress “Miley Cara”, who is a top star in everything from acting to singing… Will visit Korea next week around the 8th to promote her new movie』

It was a name he had seen on the ‘Kang Woo-jin Sub-Character’ channel.

End