I was Mistaken as a Monstrous Genius Actor [EN]: Chapter 195

“!!!”

Did they say they want to see Woo-jin? Choi Sung-gun’s eyes widened instantly, and he quickly turned and headed towards their accommodation. ‘Winner Movie Pictures’ knows Woo-jin? He glanced at the living room sofa in the accommodation. There were two men there, the BW Entertainment staff who had come for the LA schedule.

The two employees, who looked like they had just woken up, greeted Choi Sung-gun.

“Ah.”

Realizing he was on a call, they simply bowed their heads. Choi Sung-gun grabbed a chair from the kitchen and placed it in front of them. As soon as he sat down, he switched the phone to speakerphone. The reason was simple: one of the two was a translator from BW Entertainment’s overseas team. While Choi Sung-gun could communicate adequately, he wasn’t a professional.

It was a precaution, just in case.

Choi Sung-gun, having signaled the situation to the translator with a look, spoke into the phone on the table. Of course, he spoke in English.

“Sorry, please continue.”

“Yes. I’m Megan Stone, a casting director at ‘Winner Movie Pictures.’ I’m currently working on a project called ‘Last Kill 3’ with director George Mendes.”

Choi Sung-gun had already understood to some extent, but the translator whispered the explanation coming through the phone to him.

“‘Last Kill 3’??”

It was the movie he had thought of earlier. Moreover, director George Mendes was a famous director, a well-known name. As Choi Sung-gun’s excitement grew, he tried to suppress his feelings.

“Ah—yes, I see.”

“Actually, director George Mendes has seen actor Kang Woo-jin before. He’s interested. Is Kang Woo-jin in LA right now?”

They even know Woo-jin is in the US? Choi Sung-gun, realizing something was unusual, nodded.

“…That’s right. He’s currently around Hermosa Beach.”

Upon hearing about Hermosa Beach, a slight laugh mixed into the woman’s tone on the phone.

“Oh, Hermosa Beach. It’s a beautiful place. It’s also close to where I am. If it’s okay, can we meet actor Kang Woo-jin?”

“Is this meeting request related to ‘Last Kill 3’?”

“That’s right. It’s hard to give you the details, but we’re currently looking for an Asian actor. Of course, it’s a role that requires martial arts, and I saw a video of Kang Woo-jin on YouTube. It was amazing how he subdued those thugs, wasn’t it?”

“Ah.”

“The director was also impressed while watching it, and as a result, the idea came up that Kang Woo-jin should also attend the already scheduled screen test.”

“…When is that screen test?”

“It’s a bit tight since it’s in a few days. But since you’re in LA, you don’t need to feel too pressured. We’ll be looking at some martial arts, but it’s more important to see the actor’s image on the monitor than the technique.”

In Hollywood, the opportunity to do a screen test was huge. Even actors who were already Hollywood stars went through screen tests. And now, Kang Woo-jin, who was a nobody in Hollywood, was being offered one. In other words, it was a massive opportunity.

‘Director George Mendes saw Woo-jin, and this casting director saw Woo-jin’s black box video [referring to a car’s dashcam footage]…’

It was clear that this situation had arisen from a confluence of factors. It was something that could never happen otherwise. However, that wasn’t what was important right now.

“Okay, I’ll pass it on to Kang Woo-jin.”

“Yes. I’ll send you a message with the exact schedule and a short script. Please check it and let me know if you decide to go ahead. It would be great if you could let me know as soon as possible.”

The call ended like that. But Choi Sung-gun stared blankly at his phone for a while. He wondered if this was real. On the other hand, the translator among the two employees who had heard the situation asked Choi Sung-gun. His eyes were wide with shock.

“D-Director! Did ‘Winner Movie Pictures’ just contact Woo-jin??!”

At that moment, Choi Sung-gun’s phone emitted a short notification sound.

-♬♪

It was a message from ‘Winner Movie Pictures’.

About an hour later.

Kang Woo-jin came out of the bathroom, shaking his wet hair. He didn’t show any of his usual persona when he was alone. He was just his natural self, and he immediately checked the time.

’10 o’clock—’

The schedule ahead was simple. In 30 minutes, he would go out, get a simple makeup, and resume filming for ‘Our Table’. The cast would gather at 11 to prepare for business, and the store would open at 12:30.

Soon, Kang Woo-jin yawned while drying his hair.

“Well, just as I’m getting used to it, it’s almost over.”

It was a tone mixed with regret and relief. The filming of ‘Our Table,’ which had been a hellish schedule since adjusting to the time difference, was coming to an end. The first round of filming would be over after today and tomorrow.

The second round of filming was next year.

“It was tough, but it was kind of fun.”

Although making food all day was the main focus, Kang Woo-jin liked the part where foreigners enjoyed the food he made. Their expressions, the way they took pictures of the food, and the occasional praise they sent his way. It was an experience that Kang Woo-jin, the ordinary citizen, would never have been able to have.

‘I wonder how it’ll look on TV.’

As he looked forward to the first episode of ‘Our Table,’ he put down the hairdryer and picked up the phone that had been tossed on the bed. Among the many messages, Choi Sung-gun’s name was at the very top of the chat. The message was simple: to let him know when he woke up.

“Hmm? What is it?”

Woo-jin, tilting his head, sent a reply to Choi Sung-gun, and Choi Sung-gun appeared exactly 3 minutes later. It seemed he had been waiting nearby. Choi Sung-gun, wearing a white hoodie with the ‘Our Table’ logo, had a thin stack of papers tucked under his arm.

-Click.

As soon as he closed the door, Choi Sung-gun opened his mouth.

“Woo-jin, the filming is about to start, so I’ll just say the key points.”

Choi Sung-gun’s explanation, with excitement in his eyes, was short and clear. ‘Winner Movie Pictures,’ ‘Last Kill 3,’ screen test, and so on. Kang Woo-jin, who had been listening calmly, was…

“……”

He had no reaction. Neither outwardly nor inwardly, where his persona was strong. It wasn’t that he wasn’t moved. It was just that he had trouble understanding for a moment, and his thoughts had stopped.

‘Wait a minute. So, what is it? Are you saying that this Winner whatever Hollywood movie company is showing interest in me??’

Kang Woo-jin, having barely understood the content, felt his heart beat faster and his mind filled with question marks.

‘What?? Why the heck???’

This was on a different level than usual. No, should I say it was a different world? Honestly, the Korean entertainment industry felt relatively close, but Hollywood, which dominated the global film market, was beyond his comprehension.

He hadn’t even fully adjusted to the Korean entertainment industry yet.

Occasionally, when a Korean actor, whether in a supporting or minor role, advanced into Hollywood, the domestic entertainment industry was turned upside down. Even Ha Yu-ra, the top actress in Korea, was treated as a newcomer in Hollywood. That’s how much of a dream stage Hollywood was for all actors around the world. And such a place had reached out to Kang Woo-jin.

However, Kang Woo-jin was now feeling a bit lukewarm.

No, should I say he was pouring cold water on it?

Perhaps because Hollywood felt so unrealistic and distant, his mood had cooled down rapidly. Other actors would be jumping up and down, but for Kang Woo-jin, who was oblivious to the gravity of the current situation, the level of desire was low.

‘Well—it’s interesting. But it’s not confirmed anyway, it’s just a test. So, it’s like an audition, right?’

The more clear the importance of the situation, and the more serious the situation, the more time it takes to make a judgment and a choice. However, because Kang Woo-jin’s way of thinking, the way he had grown up, and his perspective were 180 degrees different from ordinary actors, the direction of his understanding was also completely different.

‘Do I just have to go and act? Hmm, an audition, it’s just changing the people from Korean to foreigners.’

He decided to think lightly of the great opportunity and whatever. You can’t have a clear imagination without experience.

Choi Sung-gun couldn’t predict Kang Woo-jin’s reaction at all. A firm expression. What on earth was going through that eccentric’s head? Because of that, Choi Sung-gun swallowed hard without showing it.

‘I can’t figure him out, but he seems to be taking it seriously, right? Yeah, it’s Hollywood, after all. With Woo-jin’s personality, he’s probably thinking more deeply than usual.’

He was wrong. Kang Woo-jin had just come up with a very simple answer.

‘It wouldn’t be bad to go and have a look? If I fail, I just won’t do it. I can decide everything when I get there.’

In short, it was okay to do it or not? A crazy thought that only Kang Woo-jin could have in the current situation. The pressure and urgency had disappeared. Soon, Woo-jin, having put on his persona, chose his words. Being cool was a must.

“Not bad.”

“…N-Not bad?”

“Yes.”

“Hey, hey, don’t you have any tension?? It’s Hollywood? Or what, are you used to it?”

“No, so is the screen test just for me?”

“Huh? Ah—no, I don’t think so. I heard that actors from other countries will also be attending on the day? But looking at the flow, they probably just added you to the already scheduled test. The role will probably be a supporting or minor role at best.”

“I see.”

“But you know, right? This is a really huge, ultra-level opportunity? A supporting or minor role in Hollywood is on a different level.”

“Yes, I know.”

“Even the work itself is incredibly famous. The ‘Last Kill’ series. This opportunity alone will make your value skyrocket. If you get the role, it’ll be like making history.”

At this point, Woo-jin poked Choi Sung-gun’s side with his index finger.

“But what is that?”

He asked, pointing to the script that Choi Sung-gun had brought.

“It’s the script that ‘Winner Movie Pictures’ sent. It seems like they’ll use that for the screen test.”

“Is that so?”

“I took a quick look, and it’s mostly action scenes rather than dialogue. They want you to familiarize yourself with it. They said to just do as much as you can without feeling pressured. They’re just looking at the actor’s form on the screen anyway.”

“Hmm—”

-Flap.

Just as Woo-jin was unfolding the script, Choi Sung-gun checked the time and continued.

“The test is on the 16th, but luckily, we can make it. If we finish the first round of filming for ‘Our Table’ today and tomorrow, we can just delay our return to Korea by one day, right?”

Kang Woo-jin, who had been nodding slowly, murmured in a low voice.

“Okay, one day is enough. Let’s do it.”

Choi Sung-gun’s expression brightened instantly.

“Okay! I’ll contact ‘Winner Movie Pictures’ right away!”

He then pointed to the script that Woo-jin was seriously looking at.

“How is it? Is it difficult? It looks complicated to me. If—if you go to the screen test and get compared to other actors… wouldn’t that be a bit… you know?”

“No, it’s not particularly difficult.”

“Oh! Is that so?”

Kang Woo-jin’s answer was low and full of confidence. He even lowered his voice to the maximum.

“I don’t think I’ll be outdone by anyone, no matter who comes, no matter what country they’re from.”

The reason was simple.

‘It’s been a while since I’ve seen a script? Is this the first time since ‘Super Actor’ [referring to a previous role or project]?’

Because there was a black rectangle attached to the side of the script.

After that,

As Kang Woo-jin was busy making food again as a chef, news about the first round of filming for ‘Our Table’ was breaking in Korea.

『Is the hot topic Kang Woo-jin causing a stir in the US as well? The ‘Our Table’ team was featured in a local LA newspaper』

『[Star Talk] Kang Woo-jin mentioned in a local LA newspaper, is his cooking skill so good that a local chef praised him?』

There were press releases that the ‘Our Table’ team had intentionally released, but there were also many articles that reporters who were interested had written themselves.

In any case, the progress of ‘Our Table’ in LA could be confirmed in Korea as well.

『[Photo] A photo released by the ‘Our Table’ production team, Kang Woo-jin engrossed in cooking and assistant Hong Hye-yeon』

『The food truck and store interior posted on the official ‘Our Table’ website, netizens’ anticipation↑』

『Foreigners gathered in front of the ‘Our Table’ store selling Korean food… is it that delicious?』

Thus, two days disappeared in the blink of an eye.

Thanks to that, the last day of business for the ‘Our Table’ store near Hermosa Beach in LA was just around the corner. ‘Our Table’ had welcomed many foreign customers for about a week, and a lot of food had been sold. It was about promoting Korean food. There were already many foreigners who knew about Korea through the Korean Wave [referring to the global popularity of South Korean culture], but it was a meaningful time beyond just filming a variety show.

In front of that ‘Our Table’ store.

“Alright, alright! We’re closing??”

The cast members, including Kang Woo-jin, were gathered, and they were surrounded by dozens of ‘Our Table’ production staff. Soon, Ahn Jong-hak, the nominal head, changed the sign on the door to ‘Closed’. He, along with Kang Woo-jin, Hwa-rin, Hong Hye-yeon, Ha Kang-soo, and Yeon Baek-gwang, were all wearing uniforms with the ‘Our Table’ logo, and Yoon Byung-sun PD [Production Director] shouted to them, who had just finished the long journey of the first round of filming.

“Everyone, you’ve worked hard!! Before we leave, let’s take a few group shots in front of the store! We’ll use them for the poster!”

Ahn Jong-hak and all the cast members chimed in.

“Okay, okay. Uh, uh, Woo-jin? Why are you over there? You have to come to the center, the center. You’re the leader, right?”

“Kuh—the man of Director Ahn Ga-bok!”

“A hero shouldn’t be on the outskirts!”

“Ah—yes, then.”

As a result, all the cast members of ‘Our Table’ gathered, led by chef Kang Woo-jin. Soon, many cameras were prepared in front of them, and the cast members each took a pose. Kang Woo-jin crossed his arms with a solemn expression. If the ‘Our Table’ title was placed at the bottom of this picture, it would be perfect for a poster.

Soon, Yoon Byung-sun PD shouted to the members who had taken their positions.

“Here we go, one, two!”

-Click!!

Thus, the first round of filming for ‘Our Table’ came to an end.

16th, morning. Hollywood.

The ‘HOLLYWOOD’ letters on the mountain behind the building catch the eye. As expected of the home of movies, the foreigners walking on the sidewalk all looked busy, and the honking of numerous cars filling the road encouraged the chaos. The buildings on both sides of the road were just as dense.

Among them, a building stood out. It was reminiscent of a palace, and a large sign was engraved on the rooftop.

-‘Winner Movie Pictures’

It was ‘Winner Movie Pictures’, a mid-sized film company among the many film companies in Hollywood. They were using all six floors of the building, and the white four-story building right next to it also belonged to ‘Winner Movie Pictures’. The four-story building was different in nature from the headquarters. This side was entirely made up of interior sets and studios on all four floors.

All floors were full of staff, but especially the 4th floor was crowded right now.

The 4th floor looked like a large open space, but it was a studio. It wasn’t fully prepared yet. Soon, various types of cameras were brought in by numerous foreign staff members. A long desk was placed at the front of the entrance, and a barrier to block the windows was also set up.

In the meantime, a big-eyed female staff member who was placing tablets, various files, and stacks of papers on the front desk tilted her head. She had glanced at the contents of the stack of papers.

“Huh? Another actor has been added to the screen test? Wasn’t it just Chinese actors today?”

A bald male staff member who was right behind her replied.

“I heard George added him, was it a Korean actor?”

There were 30 minutes left until the screen test.

End