I was Mistaken as a Monstrous Genius Actor [EN]: Chapter 191

Old Director Ahn Ga-bok’s declaration. The name Kang Woo-jin spilled from his lips, a rough, aged voice. The moment his short, clear voice resonated, the dozen or so bigwigs around him froze, their surprise evident. They couldn’t hide their shock.

“······”

“······”

Famous directors, including Director Kim Do-hee, actors besides Jin Jae-joon, newspaper editors, reporters, and more—all stared blankly at Director Ahn Ga-bok, who wore a relaxed smile.

On the other hand.

“Hmm? What’s with everyone?”

Director Ahn Ga-bok’s smile deepened. Of course, Shim Han-ho, standing next to him, also had a nonchalant expression. Currently, only these two were unfazed at this banquet. After taking a sip of wine, Director Ahn Ga-bok opened his wrinkled mouth again.

“I told you because you asked, why is everyone so spaced out?”

Director Kim Do-hee, who barely regained her senses and roughly swept back her disheveled hair, blinked her widened eyes and asked.

“D-Director. You just said the remaining actor confirmed is Kang Woo-jin.”

“That’s right.”

“So, the one cast alongside you, senior Shim Han-ho, in your 100th film, ‘Leech’… is that Kang Woo-jin? The one who was in my ‘Drug Dealer’ too.”

“Are there two Kang Woo-jins in the acting world now?”

“No, that’s not it.”

They had heard it clearly, but it was hard to believe. Kang Woo-jin had already shaken the country with the twist in the Hwa-rin incident. But suddenly, he was cast as a co-lead in Director Ahn Ga-bok’s film?

How did that even happen in the first place?

Thanks to this, actors like Director Kim Do-hee and Jin Jae-joon were still stammering, but the reporters and newspaper editors changed their expressions and subtly moved away.

‘Hehe, interesting? Why Director Ahn Ga-bok caught Kang Woo-jin is a matter for later. I need to get this out as quickly as possible.’

‘Kang Woo-jin? Crazy. This guy is a real star. How does he have an issue every week?’

‘Shim Han-ho, a legend in the acting world, and Kang Woo-jin, a rookie rewriting history. This bizarre lineup is irresistible.’

The reporters took out their phones and started typing, and everyone except the ‘Power Patch’ editor was busy making calls.

“Hey, it’s me. Just put the title in the article as I say. The content doesn’t matter.”

“It’s a scoop, a scoop. Don’t ask questions, just write it down. And get the article out as fast as possible. Sss! I said don’t ask questions.”

Director Ahn Ga-bok, watching the backs of these people, slowly nodded. It was the picture he wanted. Then, he whispered to Shim Han-ho, with his long gray hair, next to him.

“The fire has spread properly.”

“…It was already burning well, and the firewood was top-notch.”

The murmuring grew louder throughout the banquet hall. Everyone had grasped the situation. Whether they were far or near, Director Ahn Ga-bok’s words naturally spread. The voices gradually grew louder. Sometimes, shouts could be heard.

“What, what?! Really??!”

“Kang Woo-jin?! Did he just say that??!”

Many people were surprised and took out their phones. They had to spread the bomb that had been dropped at this banquet. Meanwhile, the reactions of the gathered actors were the biggest.

Various emotions mixed in their eyes.

“No way… K-Kang Woo-jin.”

“What is it then? Is Kang Woo-jin challenging Cannes after only one year?”

“It’s too sudden, isn’t it? No, more than that, is Kang Woo-jin’s schedule even possible?”

“Ha- Unbelievable.”

“Putting Shim Han-ho and Kang Woo-jin together?? What is that!”

The most prominent were jealousy and envy. The moment intense desire turned into resentment. At this moment, Jin Jae-joon, who was close to Director Ahn Ga-bok, cautiously opened his mouth.

“Director. Is there a reason why you chose Woo-jin?”

Director Ahn Ga-bok, who had everyone’s attention, answered nonchalantly.

“He didn’t seem particularly interested in Cannes.”

Exactly 15 minutes after this.

Exactly 15 minutes later, the bomb that had exploded at the banquet hall revealed itself to the world.

『[Breaking News] Director Ahn Ga-bok, who attended ‘Night of the Stars,’ “The two actors confirmed for ‘Leech’ are Shim Han-ho and Kang Woo-jin”』

It was when Kang Woo-jin’s heroic tale was still overflowing.

Several hours later, Los Angeles, USA.

Unlike Korea, where the 8th day had begun, it was the morning of the 7th in LA. The time was around 9 AM. Near North Hollywood Park, where the ‘Our Table’ team’s accommodation was located. Among the many accommodations filled with staff, the place where people were particularly bustling was the house used by the male cast.

The reason was simple.

Since arriving in LA, the ‘Our Table’ team had begun filming in earnest. No, filming had started when they departed from Korea, but the filming for the theme of ‘Our Table’ was the real deal now. Meanwhile, the cast’s staff and the ‘Our Table’ production team were scattered everywhere outside the accommodation.

However, what was unusual was.

“Really??! Wow, I just woke up and didn’t know!”

“Yeah, yeah, totally fact-fact. Director Ahn Ga-bok said it himself. Search it up, Korea is turned upside down!”

“It’s dawn in Korea now??”

“What’s day or night to reporters?!”

“Crazy- What does Woo-jin say?”

“I don’t know, I haven’t met him yet.”

It was very chaotic. The ‘Our Table’ production team and all the dozens of staff of the cast were the same. They were all frantically talking about Kang Woo-jin without stopping.

“I heard Director Ahn Ga-bok announced it himself at the ‘Night of the Stars’ after-party?”

“Yeah, yeah, and even actor Shim Han-ho was next to him.”

“Huh- Before that black box video issue even cooled down…”

“When the cast gathered earlier, PD [Production Director] Yoon was going crazy, I tell you?”

“I saw that too. Ha Gang-soo looked like his eyes were about to pop out.”

“From the start, there are many actors in the ‘Our Table’ cast. They’d all be shocked.”

“Director Ahn Ga-bok, Shim Han-ho lineup- and Kang Woo-jin is added. This is a real big deal, a big deal.”

Director Ahn Ga-bok’s bomb had already spread this far. In fact, the news had first been delivered a few hours earlier, in the early morning, and the reaction then was several times more extreme than now. Currently, it had calmed down somewhat. Nevertheless, the talk about Kang Woo-jin didn’t stop.

“But is Woo-jin’s schedule even possible?? He’s already got a lot of projects lined up. Director Kwon’s and the Japanese one.”

“I don’t know, how did they manage to fit it in? Anyway, all predictions were wrong. Wow- look at this, the company group chat is about to explode.”

“It’s impossible for it to be quiet when they put the veteran actor Shim Han-ho and the rookie Kang Woo-jin together.”

Around this time, Choi Sung-gun, with his ponytail.

“Yeah, yeah, we can’t release a statement right away. Let’s heat it up a bit.”

He was busy walking around and talking on the phone. The phone wouldn’t stop ringing. Around him, the managers of each cast member were sticking close.

They must be curious.

So, where is Kang Woo-jin?

He was sitting on the living room sofa on the first floor of the male cast’s accommodation. No, all the ‘Our Table’ cast members were gathered here. Ahn Jong-hak was on a single sofa, Hwa-rin and Hong Hye-yeon were on a three-seater sofa, and Ha Gang-soo and Yeon Baek-gwang were on the remaining long sofa.

Woo-jin, wearing a hat, looked more solemn than usual today.

“······”

Of course, that was just how he looked to others, and inside, he was just feeling extreme fatigue.

‘Ah- I’m so tired. I think I need to go into a subspace for a bit.’

He had already been through a rough storm. Before the unintended heroic tale could cool down, the ‘Leech’ matter had hit this place. Thanks to that, he had to endure a barrage of questions from all the ‘Our Table’ cast members, as well as PD Yoon Byung-sun and the writers.

‘Woo-jin!! Is this article that came out real??!’

‘How can so many bombshells explode one after another!!’

‘Are you really filming Director Ahn Ga-bok’s movie?!!’

‘Why did you hide such a big thing?? Are you really going to Cannes?!’

For about an hour.

PD Yoon Byung-sun was practically dancing. Especially, the ‘Our Table’ cast members were mostly actors, so their reactions were intense. Ahn Jong-hak and Ha Gang-soo’s endless curiosity, Hwa-rin’s hidden longing, and the maknae [youngest] Yeon Baek-gwang’s high-tension praise. Hong Hye-yeon surprisingly didn’t have a big reaction. It was as if she had already sensed something.

If the situation here was this much, what would it be like when they returned to Korea? Woo-jin, who had briefly looked at the internet situation in Korea, felt burdened.

But what could he do? He had to think that what was going to happen anyway had just happened a little earlier.

‘Well, I can’t avoid it, so I’ll enjoy it, but that old spirit grandpa, he just dropped it so suddenly.’

The calls from his acquaintances were also a headache. Especially his younger sister Kang Hyun-ah and his close friends. It was a disaster in many ways, but somehow the ‘Our Table’ team calmed down.

They had to film.

Anyway, around the sofa where Kang Woo-jin was sitting, numerous mini-cams were placed, and cameras were set up everywhere. Around them were dozens of PD Yoon Byung-sun and staff. Regardless, the ‘Our Table’ cast members looked quite natural. Everyone, including Kang Woo-jin wearing a hat, was dressed comfortably, and Hwa-rin and Hong Hye-yeon’s makeup was light.

They were currently deciding on the menu.

From tomorrow, they had to start business in earnest with the food truck waiting outside. In other words, they had to buy all the ingredients today, prepare them, and plan the cast’s movements.

At this time, Ahn Jong-hak, sitting on a single sofa and wearing a baseball cap, opened the discussion.

“First- we need to finalize the menu, right? Kitchen team, do you have anything in mind? What does the leader think?”

At the question, everyone’s gaze turned to the silent Kang Woo-jin. Woo-jin answered calmly. Thanks to the imprinted chef’s knowledge, he already had an answer.

“The speed at which food comes out is important for a food truck. There’s no need for many menu items, two would be appropriate.”

“Two. Which ones?”

“Rice and noodles. Both can be pre-cooked.”

“What did the chef have in mind?”

“Something not spicy, I think Bulgogi Rice Bowl and Gimjaban Buckwheat Noodles would be good.”

Ahn Jong-hak immediately raised his hand.

“I’m in favor-”

Following that, Hong Hye-yeon and Hwa-rin joined, and as a result, everyone agreed. No other opinions were given. At this, PD Yoon Byung-sun, who was watching from outside the frame, chuckled and interjected.

“No, if you’re going to settle it so quickly, why have a meeting?”

Ahn Jong-hak waved his hand as if it was noisy.

“If the hero chef has made a decision, then I, the figurehead, must follow. What, PD Yoon, are you dissatisfied with the menu?”

“Of course not. It’s perfect.”

“Okay. Then let’s start making a list of ingredients, and for the movements- let’s see… since it’s a food truck, 4 people in the kitchen and 2 for serving should be enough, right?”

Again, the answer came quickly. Chef Kang Woo-jin would be assisted by Hong Hye-yeon, Hwa-rin, and Yeon Baek-gwang, while Ahn Jong-hak and the tall Ha Gang-soo would handle the outside.

Here, Ha Gang-soo, wearing a hoodie, gave his opinion.

“What about drinks?”

Kang Woo-jin’s low tone was immediately heard.

“It’s better to exclude drinks other than coffee at the beginning. If we have drinks, conversations might get longer, and the turnover rate could slow down.”

“Ah- I see.”

“Let’s just give out simple water for now and gauge the atmosphere.”

Ahn Jong-hak and Ha Gang-soo gave a thumbs up.

“Kuh- As expected of the hero chef, Director Ahn Ga-bok’s man. So reliable.”

“Director Ahn Ga-bok must have fallen for this charm.”

Hong Hye-yeon, who had tied her long hair, also chimed in.

“As expected, not just anyone can become a hero.”

Hwa-rin, glancing at Woo-jin, was praising him inwardly.

‘That lukewarm charisma is the real killer point?!’

Mockery disguised as praise. Regardless, Kang Woo-jin was quietly recalling ‘Chef’s Recipe’.

“Let’s divide into a team to buy ingredients and a team to prepare at the accommodation.”

“Yes! Leader!”

It was to disperse the attention.

The next day, around noon, near North Hollywood Park.

Many foreigners were strolling in the vast park. A woman jogging with headphones on, a man enjoying time with his dog, a couple lying in the grass reading a book, and so on. A scene straight out of a movie. There were quite a few people, but the park was so large that it didn’t feel crowded.

Among them, an elderly American couple walking on the sidewalk in the park caught the eye.

Both had white hair and were holding hands as they slowly crossed the park. As they walked, chatting, the grandmother noticed something on the side of the road ahead. She immediately opened her mouth. Of course, she spoke in English.

“I haven’t seen that food truck before?”

At her soft tone, the grandfather’s gaze also turned forward. The elderly couple always passed through the park at this time, and thanks to that, they could immediately recognize the food truck that wasn’t there before. A food truck with a mix of red and blue overall.

On the top of the truck, English and Korean were mixed.

-‘KOREAN FOOD’

-‘Our Table’

The grandmother smiled at the sign.

“It looks like a food truck selling Korean food.”

“It seems so. What are they selling?”

“Shall we eat there?”

“You said you wanted tacos. And you even cried when you ate tteokbokki [spicy rice cakes] last time?”

“I can just ask them to make it not spicy this time, right? We can eat tacos anytime. There’s one next to your restaurant too.”

“Hmm.”

“It’ll be a memorable meal. If we’re going to eat anyway, wouldn’t it be better to have something special?”

At the grandmother’s persuasion, the grandfather also nodded.

“Okay, but if it doesn’t taste good, you have to tell me right away.”

“Of course.”

Thus, the elderly couple moved towards the food truck selling Korean food. Up close, all the staff definitely looked Korean.

“Oh, they’re all Korean. But… they’re all handsome and beautiful?”

“Indeed. Koreans have really good skin, they look so young that it’s hard to guess their age.”

It was at this moment.

-Swoosh.

As the elderly couple approached the food truck, a few women approached and asked in English.

“Excuse me, are you going to use this food truck?”

The grandfather answered.

“Yes, why? Are they still preparing?”

“No, it’s not that, actually this food truck is for a Korean TV show. If you use it, you’ll be on the show, so we’re asking for your consent.”

The grandmother, with a kind smile, gave her consent.

“We’d be happy to? We don’t mind.”

“Thank you, then you can use it comfortably.”

Soon, the women moved away, and the grandmother smiled as if she was amazed.

“It’s a Korean TV show.”

“I knew it, does that mean everyone working there is a celebrity?”

“Probably.”

“The food might not be that good.”

Soon, as the elderly couple arrived at the place with six tables, a Korean man in front of the food truck approached them. It was the figurehead Ahn Jong-hak, wearing a navy uniform with the ‘Our Table’ logo and his hair neatly swept back.

“Hello, you’re our first customers.”

Ahn Jong-hak’s English was quite fluent. It wasn’t as good as Kang Woo-jin’s, but there were no problems with communication. As he guided the elderly couple to the center table, the grandfather asked.

“I heard it’s a TV show, what’s the theme?”

“We’re promoting Korean food overseas.”

“I see, are you and those people all celebrities?”

“That’s right.”

“Impressive.”

“Thank you, here’s the menu. There are two menus we can prepare right now. Would you like me to explain them?”

“Please do.”

Soon, Ahn Jong-hak explained the Bulgogi Rice Bowl and Gimjaban Buckwheat Noodles on the menu. The grandmother, who had been listening quietly, smiled and asked.

“Is the Bulgogi Rice Bowl spicy?”

“It’s not.”

“Then I’ll have the Bulgogi Rice Bowl, what about you?”

The grandfather pointed at the noodle dish on the menu.

“This one. Gimjaban…”

“It’s called Gimjaban Buckwheat Noodles.”

“Hmm, I’ll have that.”

“Yes, I understand.”

Ahn Jong-hak, who had politely taken back the menu, shouted to the people inside the food truck as he moved away. It was in Korean.

“One Bulgogi! One Gimjaban!”

Watching him, the grandmother of the elderly couple opened her mouth.

“Korean sounds beautiful.”

The grandfather was scanning the cameras and production staff around him.

“Hmm- If it’s a TV show, does that mean the chef making the food is also an actor?”

“I think it’s that person inside the food truck?”

Soon, following the grandmother’s gesture, the grandfather checked inside the food truck. There were about four men and women. Among them, a young man who had just started cooking caught his eye. A strong impression with a cynical atmosphere. He was wearing a bandana on his head.

Looking at his appearance, the grandfather was convinced.

“That chef must be an actor too.”

“Yeah, he’s handsome.”

“Maybe we should have had tacos? Food on these shows is never good.”

“Still, looking at how that chef is moving, it seems like he’s learned diligently?”

“Certainly… looking at how he’s wearing a bandana and a mask, he’s paying attention to hygiene, and looking at how he’s handling the wok, he must have practiced hard. But still, his main job is an actor.”

“You’re too picky, if you’re a chef, you should try various experiences and foods.”

“I’ve already tried various Korean foods. Have you ever tried gochujang [Korean chili paste]? It’s so delicious that I’m researching how to use it in my restaurant.”

That’s right. In fact, this grandfather was a chef who ran a restaurant. The location was close to here.

It was then.

-Swoosh.

This time, a tall man, not Ahn Jong-hak, approached the elderly couple. It was Ha Gang-soo.

“Your food is ready.”

His English was a bit awkward, but the elderly couple greeted him casually and received their ordered food. Then, Ahn Jong-hak appeared and explained how to eat the food. After finishing the explanation, the two men stepped back, and the grandmother of the elderly couple stirred the steaming Bulgogi Rice Bowl with a spoon.

“It smells good. What do you think?”

The grandfather looked closely at the Gimjaban Buckwheat Noodles in front of him and said.

“The broth is brown, and so are the noodles. The smell is- savory and not bad. It’s similar to Japanese ramen. But it’s definitely different and a bit off-putting. Is this black stuff floating in the broth seaweed?”

“Try it.”

The slightly reluctant white-haired grandfather carefully picked up a spoon and gently scooped up the broth. Then, he cautiously put it in his mouth.

“······”

His expression hardened. No, it was more like an ambiguous face. The grandfather silently scooped up the broth again. Once, twice, three times. Then, he lifted the bowl and took a big gulp. At that sight, the grandmother, who was stirring the Bulgogi Rice Bowl, widened her eyes, and the grandfather quietly looked down at the Gimjaban Buckwheat Noodles and picked up a fork.

He rolled the noodles and put them in his mouth with the broth.

They didn’t know, but at this moment, all the ‘Our Table’ team cameras distributed around the food truck were filming the elderly couple.

Soon, the grandmother, who was scooping up the Bulgogi Rice Bowl, asked the grandfather.

“How does that brown noodle taste?”

The grandfather, who had stopped his fork, was still chewing the noodles, but his expression was still firm. Then, he slowly raised his head.

“We were wrong.”

“Hmm? Why, is it not good?”

He said to the grandmother. The grandfather’s blue eyes were filled with waves.

“The man who made the food is not an actor, he’s a real chef.”