I was Mistaken as a Monstrous Genius Actor [EN]: Chapter 190

It was already afternoon. The 퇴근 [quitting work] time had arrived. However, the boiling lava showed no signs of cooling down.

Of course, it was all about Kang Woo-jin.

Not only on various news outlets but also on the radio, the names of Hwa-rin, the assailant, and Kang Woo-jin could be heard.

‘Let’s start with some exciting news today!’

‘Hahaha, Kang Woo-jin?’

‘No, I thought I was watching a movie! He’s a real hero.’

‘Who knows? Maybe some director will use that scene for a movie?’

‘With the country buzzing like this, does Woo-jin even know? He must be in the US right now.’

‘Kang Woo-jin and his agency are still quiet, though. Hwa-rin too.’

‘Oh my, when Woo-jin returns to Korea, he’ll be flooded with advertisements and offers.’

‘Isn’t that already happening?’

‘I mean, it’ll increase even more.’

The community where the original video was released was already saturated, and it spread to numerous other communities through repeated sharing.

Around this time, an official statement was released by Kang Woo-jin’s agency, BW Entertainment.

『[Official] BW Entertainment, Agency of ‘Hero’ Kang Woo-jin, “It’s all true, Kang Woo-jin wanted to keep it hidden considering Hwa-rin’s condition”』

『BW Entertainment posts statement on official website, Kang Woo-jin says ‘he just did what was natural’』

The buzz surged again. Consequently, Kang Woo-jin’s already turbulent SNS, or rather,

-@Wooji_n

Posts 189

Followers 10.193 million

Following 21

Fans flocked to his YouTube channel, ‘Kang Woo-jin’s Sub-Character’.

[Channel Name: Kang Woo-jin’s Sub-Character]

[Subscribers 7.74 million]

[Videos 31]

The expression ‘soaring’ was an understatement. Comments in Korean, Japanese, and English were overflowing. The same was true for Woo-jin’s fan club, ‘Strong Heart’. However, the excitement wasn’t only in Korea. Woo-jin’s fan clubs weren’t just in Korea.

『‘Kang Woo-jin’s Heroic Tale’ of Saving Hwa-rin, Shakes Japan Beyond Korea』

It was Japan. Japan, which had already been in an uproar due to Hwa-rin’s incident. There, Woo-jin’s Japanese fan club, ‘KWJ I Love You,’ poured fuel on the fire.

『Was it 「Kang Woo-jin」 who subdued the assailant who attacked Hwa-rin?』

Because ‘KWJ I Love You’ was the first to share the video.

As a result, thanks to the Japanese media outlets that picked it up, Kang Woo-jin’s black box video…

『Video from Korean Super Rookie 「Kang Woo-jin」’s domestic fan cafe…』

『「Kang Woo-jin」’s black box video rapidly spreading on SNS, Kang Woo-jin already ranked 1st in SNS search rankings』

…spread throughout Japan.

On the same day, late afternoon.

The time was a little past 8 PM. The location was a huge, famous hotel in Seoul. The area around the hotel was packed. There were quite a few reporters in the lobby and on the street in front of the hotel. They were busy filming the vans leaving or crowding around celebrities giving interviews.

Inside the hotel’s banquet hall, it was calmer than outside. However, the number of people gathered was more than double.

There were at least 50 people, including top actors, famous directors and producers, and entertainment industry insiders. Reporters and broadcasting teams were also present. The atmosphere of this banquet hall was reminiscent of a high-end party. It was, in fact, just that. It was an after-party following the ‘Night of Stars’ awards ceremony hosted by the Korean Film Actors Association, which had started around late lunch.

-♬♪

Violin music filled the entire banquet hall, and round tables and long desks were set up throughout the hall. Of course, various champagnes, wines, and high-end finger foods and refreshments were set on them. Everyone was busy chatting while sipping their drinks.

Familiar faces were spotted here and there.

Director Kim Do-hee of ‘Drug Dealer,’ which set unprecedented records as an R-rated movie this year, along with Jin Jae-joon and Park Pan-seo, who played the lead roles in ‘Drug Dealer.’ The cinematographer and music director of ‘Drug Dealer’ were also present. As expected, ‘Drug Dealer’ had received quite a few awards at today’s ceremony, and they were strong contenders for the major awards ceremonies other than the Blue Dragon Awards.

Perhaps because of this, many people gathered around the ‘Drug Dealer’ team.

‘Hahaha, congratulations, Director Kim Do-hee. You’ve won two awards here alone, and considering the Blue Dragon, Grand Bell, and Baeksang Awards, you’ll probably win more than 10 this year?’

‘Amazing, amazing. Well, the movie turned out great. You must be getting a lot of offers from film companies?’

‘Not just offers! An R-rated movie that drew 8 million viewers! Hahaha.’

Reporters and various industry insiders showered Director Kim Do-hee with endless praise. Well, considering the results, it was a natural scene. On the other hand, Director Kim Do-hee, still with her messy hair,

‘Ah- yes, thank you. It’s been hectic one way or another.’

She reacted mechanically, but she felt a bit uncomfortable. Although she had attended film festivals before, she wasn’t used to these after-party gatherings.

Thanks to that.

‘Ah, I’ll take a quick call.’

Director Kim Do-hee, who had been cornered by many people, moved away from her spot, pretending to take a call. Her destination was a slightly secluded area. The art director and cinematographer followed behind her. Soon.

‘Director.’

The lead actors of ‘Drug Dealer,’ who had been talking with other actors, joined the group. It was Jin Jae-joon and Park Pan-seo, who played ‘Jung Sung-hoon’ and ‘Professor Kim.’ The first to speak was Park Pan-seo, the oldest of the team in his mid-to-late 50s, who had unbuttoned his suit jacket.

‘I think we’ve made enough of an impression after spending this much time. Shall we head out?’

The answer came quickly from Jin Jae-joon, who had a sharp look.

‘Are you leaving, senior?’

Director Kim Do-hee, whose face was full of fatigue, caught the end of his sentence.

‘Yes, go ahead. I was thinking of escaping within 10 minutes myself.’

Park Pan-seo chuckled and looked around the noisy banquet hall before speaking again.

‘By the way, this place is as stagnant as ever, both now and in the past. Putting aside the atmosphere, it’s ridiculous that Woo-jin’s name isn’t on the list of award winners.’

Director Kim Do-hee sighed as if agreeing.

‘Hoo- Even though they said there aren’t any awards for rookies or newcomers… it’s a bit much that he wasn’t even mentioned.’

‘Hmm, there’s no reason to come next year.’

‘Well, this place is more of a party than an awards ceremony, so we should just let it slide. Anyway, the main film festivals at the end of the year are the Blue Dragon and Grand Bell Awards.’

‘Isn’t it about time they announced the full list of nominees for those two film festivals?’

‘Ah! It’ll probably be out within this week. Rumor has it that Woo-jin’s name is frequently mentioned in the offices of both film festivals.’

‘They should. What kind of backlash would they get if they ignored him?’

As Kang Woo-jin’s name came up in the conversation, they gradually became more talkative. Especially Director Kim Do-hee.

‘Ah, seniors. Did you see the black box video of Woo-jin that was released this morning?’

‘Of course, I did. There’s no way I wouldn’t have seen something that made the news.’

Jin Jae-joon, the cinematographer, and the art director also joined in.

‘All the other actors here are busy talking about Woo-jin. I just came from over there after talking about Woo-jin.’

‘Me too. The reporters initially brought up ‘Drug Dealer,’ but then they subtly shifted to talking about ‘Lee Sang-man’ and then to Woo-jin.’

‘It just broke this morning, so it’s inevitable. But really, Woo-jin’s issues never cease. I never imagined there would even be a heroic tale…’

Soon, they began a discussion about Kang Woo-jin’s martial arts in the video. Meanwhile, Director Kim Do-hee, while running her hand through her messy hair, clicked her tongue as if she was disappointed.

‘Oh- Woo-jin’s movements were amazing. If I had known earlier… I would have added a few action scenes.’

Park Pan-seo waved his hand as if to say it was absurd.

‘Director Kim knows better, but if ‘Lee Sang-man’ had shown such flashy martial arts, the character’s personality would have been greatly diminished.’

‘…I know. I’m just saying it out of regret.’

‘We should write a better scenario and cast Woo-jin.’

It was at this moment.

‘Ah- over there.’

Jin Jae-joon, who was moving towards the round table in front to refill his wine, spotted someone.

‘Isn’t that Director Ahn Ga-bok?’

It was the legendary Director Ahn Ga-bok. Of course, his surroundings were filled with hangers-on.

‘Senior Shim Han-ho is there too. Wow, the heads of major film companies are packed in.’

‘Isn’t that the editor-in-chief of Power Patch next to him?’

‘I see other media editors too.’

Among the ‘Drug Dealer’ team, who had their eyes fixed on Director Ahn Ga-bok’s group, Jin Jae-joon, whose eyes began to fill with desire, cleared his throat.

‘Ahem. Let’s go say hello. We did it briefly earlier, but I think we should do it properly.’

The cinematographer and art director agreed. On the other hand, Park Pan-seo, who was chuckling quietly, said something different.

‘Heh, just by looking at it, it seems like they’re picking the ‘Leech’ actors and trying to score some points.’

Jin Jae-joon shrugged his shoulders with a face that showed he had nothing to hide.

‘That’s right, honestly, it would be an honor to even get a supporting role.’

‘Well, isn’t it possible? You’ve earned some points with this ‘Drug Dealer.’ By the way, seeing Senior Shim Han-ho with him… does that mean he’s confirmed?’

‘Director Ahn Ga-bok said in an interview that it’s still undecided.’

‘It’s just talk. In the interview, he said he gave the scenario to two people, right? Internally, Senior Shim Han-ho might have already signed the contract.’

Everyone nodded as if agreeing, and Park Pan-seo, who was stroking his chin, continued.

‘That movie ‘Leech,’ Director Ahn Ga-bok’s 100th film, aiming for Cannes with Shim Han-ho as the lead. The scale is enormous… it’s dangerous, a double-edged sword.’

Whatever the case, just as the ‘Drug Dealer’ team was about to move to greet Director Ahn Ga-bok, Director Kim Do-hee, seeing Park Pan-seo who was still unmoved, asked.

‘Aren’t you going, senior?’

‘I’ll do it separately.’

‘Ah… I understand.’

The cinematographer and art director whispered at the sight.

‘Why is he like that?’

‘Didn’t you know? There’s a rumor that Park Pan-seo and Shim Han-ho don’t get along very well.’

‘Ah-‘

Behind them, the ‘Drug Dealer’ team joined Director Ahn Ga-bok’s group. Soon, the number of people gathered exceeded 20, and it drew the attention of everyone in the banquet hall, including actors and various directors. Some actors were even trying to join the group while being cautious.

Thus began the exchange of greetings. Initially, a moderate atmosphere was formed without any major issues.

Then.

‘Director Ahn Ga-bok.’

Jin Jae-joon changed the atmosphere with a serious face.

‘I heard you’re currently planning the lineup for the ‘Leech’ actors.’

It was a rather sudden topic, but Director Ahn Ga-bok showed composure with a wrinkled smile.

‘That’s right.’

‘If there are any remaining roles, I would like to try out as well.’

‘Is that so? Well, I enjoyed your movie ‘Drug Dealer,’ Jae-joon.’

‘Thank you.’

But that was all. Director Ahn Ga-bok didn’t give any acting critiques or advice, just like when he saw Hong Hye-yeon. As if he wasn’t very interested. However, the interest of the surrounding people suddenly increased.

The actors were looking at each other cautiously. The same was true for the media editors.

Among them, the pot-bellied editor-in-chief of ‘Power Patch’ suddenly chimed in.

‘Come to think of it, Director Ahn Ga-bok! In a previous magazine interview, you said there were two actors you gave the scenario to, right? Could you give us a hint? Everyone is dying to know which top actors have joined, hahaha!’

It was a question thrown out with a jest, but the aim was clear. Regardless, Director Ahn Ga-bok, who brushed back his short white hair, remained composed.

‘Heh, why go that far.’

As he put down the wine glass he was holding, he briefly exchanged glances with Shim Han-ho, who was standing next to him with his long gray hair. Then, he suddenly revealed a new fact.

‘Actually, it’s not just about giving out the scenario now, the two lead roles have been confirmed.’

‘Re-really?! The two lead actors are confirmed?’

‘That’s right.’

Director Ahn Ga-bok pointed to Shim Han-ho with his hand.

‘One of them is actor Shim Han-ho here.’

‘!!!’

Soon, Jin Jae-joon, Director Kim Do-hee, media editors, and others clapped their hands as if they had been waiting for this.

‘As expected! It’s actor Shim!!’

‘Haha! Two legends have joined forces!’

‘Wow- I’m looking forward to it, director!!’

Their eyes sparkled. A new prey had been thrown out. The eyes of the surrounding actors were full of desire. They were mixed with meanings like ‘I want to be involved!’ or ‘I want to do it!’ In the midst of the heated atmosphere, this time, an editor from another major media outlet, not ‘Power Patch,’ added a question.

‘With actor Shim Han-ho confirmed – if there are two lead roles, who is the other one?’

In fact, this was the real deal. Shim Han-ho was someone who could be guessed to some extent. The remaining actor who was confirmed for casting.

Who is that top actor shrouded in mystery?

‘Haha, that’s right. If it’s a top actor involved in a project of this scale… could it be Ryu Jung-min? He’s been on fire lately.’

‘If he’s going with Shim Han-ho here, it would be difficult for any ordinary actor – is it one of the top actors who came here today?’

‘Actor Park Pan-seo?’

‘Director Ahn, could you give us just a little hint?’

‘Just tell us the surname, just the surname.’

Thanks to that, many people’s eyes were focused on Director Ahn Ga-bok’s mouth, and the wrinkled lips of the veteran Director Ahn Ga-bok, who slowly lifted the wine glass he had put down, opened. It was a very nonchalant tone.

‘Kang Woo-jin.’

In that instant.

‘…Excuse me?’

Everyone’s movements came to a sudden halt.

Meanwhile, in LA.

It was night in Korea, but it was early dawn here. However, the airport was not quiet. Inside a plane at that airport.

A first-class section that was luxurious at a glance.

The plane was still not moving, as if it had not yet departed, and there were many empty seats in the first-class section. Among them, a woman sitting by the window stood out. Blonde hair reaching her chest, big eyes, blue eyes, and a fair complexion. She was clearly a foreign woman, but her appearance and aura were far beyond ordinary.

Even the flight attendants were glancing at her without being obvious.

The reason was simple.

『[Hollywood] Hollywood top actress ‘Miley Cara’ to visit Korea for new movie promotion… Expected to arrive in Korea on the afternoon of the 8th』

She was Hollywood superstar actress Miley Cara.

Of course, she started as an actress, but she was currently also enjoying success as a singer. She was already famous for her good vocal skills, but she solidified her position in a blockbuster musical film. After that, she was often seen in Disney movies, and the songs she released as a singer all became hits on the Billboard charts.

In short, Miley Cara was at the top as a Hollywood actress and singer. She was always among the top three most popular actresses overseas.

Anyway.

‘…’

Her face, as she looked down at her phone without a word, was extremely cold. Cold-hearted. This was the perfect way to describe Cara’s personality.

At that moment.

‘Cara.’

Someone called her. It was a burly, foreign man with a near-shaved head who had approached Cara’s seat. He was Cara’s main manager. He spoke to Cara. In English, of course.

‘We’re leaving soon, so get some sleep. It’s going to be a long flight.’

Cara glanced at him briefly and replied. The tone of her English was cold.

‘I know. I’ll take care of it. I’m not sleepy yet.’

‘It’s your first time going to Korea, how do you feel?’

‘I’ve never been there, but it’s not bad. You know? There’s a Korean restaurant near my house, it’s clean and the food is fantastic.’

‘That’s a relief. The movie promotion activities in Korea will last about a week. You need to manage your stamina well.’

This was the reason she was on the plane. Miley Cara’s visit to Korea. For the promotion of her new movie. The movie she played the main lead in was about to be released in Korea. Then, the half-shaved manager handed Cara a tablet and asked something else.

‘This is a list of Korean YouTubers, have you seen it? You need to decide now. Which YouTube channel you’ll appear on.’

However, Cara, who immediately handed back the tablet she received, replied coldly.

‘I told you, I’m only going to appear on one YouTube channel.’

‘…Cara. You can’t ignore YouTube channel promotions these days. And if you’ve made a decision, you need to let me know.’

Cara showed her phone. A video from a YouTube channel was being displayed on the screen.

-【(6)Miley Cara(Miley Cara)/‘Absolute’】Cover [Korean. Ver]｜Kang Woo-jin’s Sub-Character

-Views 16.33 million

Cara, with a cold face, finished her statement.

‘I’m only going on this one.’

End