I was Mistaken as a Monstrous Genius Actor [EN]: Chapter 203

Kang Woo-jin stepped out of the dressing room within the expansive set of ‘Island of the Lost.’ He was clad in his military uniform, a long padded coat draped over it. It was a familiar sight on the set, but there was a noticeable difference: the condition of his uniform.

It was heavily stained with blood and looked worn, a clear indication of how far along the filming of ‘Island of the Lost’ had progressed. Before leaving the building, Woo-jin stretched.

‘Aah! Let’s get to it.’

He needed to shake off the dreamlike haze of Hollywood and Miley Cara and return to reality. His schedule was now solely focused on acting, Kang Woo-jin’s primary profession. After regaining his composure, Kang Woo-jin headed towards the filming location.

-Swish.

The scene came into view. Reflectors and lights were set up, along with various cameras, boom mics, and other equipment. Director Kwon Ki-taek was intently watching the monitor, surrounded by numerous staff members.

Filming was already in progress.

‘One, two – cue.’

After observing the scene for a moment, Woo-jin felt a sense of homecoming.

‘As expected, the filming set is the most comfortable place. Huh? When did the filming set become comfortable for me?’

It was a strange feeling. In the past, he would be filled with tension as soon as he stepped onto a set, but now it was completely different. Could it be because the surrounding environment had changed so drastically? As Kang Woo-jin was about to dismiss it, thinking it was probably something like that,

-Tap tap.

Someone tapped him on the shoulder. When he turned around, the assistant director was smiling.

‘Woo-jin, we just started that scene. If you go to the waiting tent, we’ll call you when it’s your standby time.’

‘Ah, okay.’

Woo-jin replied and walked past the densely packed set buildings, arriving at a rather large tent. It was located at a three-way intersection leading to the entrance, and Kang Woo-jin entered the largest booth among the adjacent tents.

-Swish.

Inside the booth, there were desks and chairs, indicating it was a waiting room and rest area for the actors. Portable heaters were turned on here and there. Greeting Woo-jin were a few staff members, Jeon Woo-chang, and Ha Yu-ra. The rest of the actors, including Ryu Jeong-min, were currently filming.

Soon, the muscular Jeon Woo-chang waved at Woo-jin.

‘Woo-jin! Over here, over here!’

He had a thick short padded jacket over his military uniform, while Ha Yu-ra wore a beige long padded coat. Woo-jin approached the two of them, who were sitting side by side and drinking coffee, and bowed his head slightly.

‘Thank you for your consideration.’

Jeon Woo-chang was quick to respond.

‘Huh? What for?’

The elegant Ha Yu-ra also tilted her head.

‘We just called you over, what consideration are you talking about?’

Woo-jin, pulling out a chair to sit, replied in a low voice.

‘I feel like I caused inconvenience to the actors due to my schedule deviation. In terms of filming schedule and acting.’

It wasn’t wrong. If Kang Woo-jin had a small role in ‘Island of the Lost,’ it wouldn’t matter, but currently, he was one of the central characters. There were many scenes where Woo-jin’s character, ‘Private Jin Seon-cheol,’ was with the other actors, and in the beginning, they were almost always group shots. In the midst of all this, Woo-jin had to leave for a while.

In that case, the actors of ‘Island of the Lost’ would only film scenes without Kang Woo-jin.

Well, it wasn’t like they filmed in the order of the script anyway, and filming random scenes was a daily routine for the actors. Still, filming scenes without Woo-jin and then having to go back to the emotional line when he returned was not easy. For example, even if they had already filmed scenes after Woo-jin’s character died, they had to recall the emotions of him being alive and act again.

Kang Woo-jin was expressing his gratitude to the actors for that.

Of course, this was something that had been discussed in the early planning stages of ‘Island of the Lost,’ and the actors were aware of it, but as the youngest and a rookie, Woo-jin needed to show respect to his seniors again. Of course, it was Choi Seong-geon who had taught him this.

Anyway, Jeon Woo-chang laughed heartily as if it was nothing.

‘Hahaha! I thought it was something else! It’s okay, it’s okay. It’s work, it’s work. Besides, it’s not like we made a lot of progress when you weren’t here.’

Ha Yu-ra, who was smiling softly, chimed in.

‘Yeah, don’t worry about it too much. Honestly, after you left, a lot of issues blew up and ‘Island of the Lost’ got a lot of promotion, right? That’s all that matters.’

‘True! ‘Drug Dealer’ – wow – 7.85 million with an R rating! After that, ‘Island of the Lost’ has been mentioned a lot, and even Jeong-min hyung [older brother/male friend] asked me if I had anything going on?’

‘Woo-chang, you’re really quiet, aren’t you?’

‘Ah! Noona [older sister/female friend], I’m average. Woo-jin is the one who’s out of the ordinary.’

Ha Yu-ra, shaking her head as if she was tired of the conversation, untied her hair and suddenly asked Woo-jin.

‘Which year-end award ceremonies are you going to?’

‘I’m going to the Blue Dragon, Grand Bell, and the acting awards for SBC and KBC.’

‘You’re really going to all four. What about you, Woo-chang?’

‘I’m skipping the Grand Bell this year. For the acting awards, I’m only going to MBS. What about you, Noona?’

‘I’m only going to the Blue Dragon and Grand Bell. I don’t have any reason to go to the acting awards.’

‘Ah, right. Noona hasn’t done a drama since last year, because you’re busy going around Hollywood.’

‘Do you want to die?’

Jeon Woo-chang, dodging Ha Yu-ra’s threat, pointed at Kang Woo-jin with his index finger.

‘Why- it’s true, isn’t it? It seems like Woo-jin will debut in Hollywood faster than Noona. Who knows? Maybe Woo-jin has already been contacted by Hollywood?’

‘Huh? Really?’

Kang Woo-jin flinched inwardly.

‘Jeon Woo-chang… he has a good sense of things.’

However, since his concept was strong, he put on a straight face as if it was nothing.

‘That’s not possible.’

‘Hahaha, not now, not now. You’ll be able to see Woo-jin in Hollywood soon, I have a feeling.’

‘……Woo-chang, you know you’re an actor too, right?’

‘Ah- I gave up on Hollywood. My English isn’t good enough. More importantly, Woo-jin, are you really going to four year-end award ceremonies? Wow, isn’t that your first time?’

‘Yeah, it’s rare to go to award ceremonies in your first year of debut. And you’re even nominated for awards at all four.’

Soon, Jeon Woo-chang, with a deep smile, moved his face close to Kang Woo-jin.

‘Are we going to see the amazing sight of you sweeping up more than five trophies in your debut year?’

Ha Yu-ra sighed.

‘Woo-chang, you’re an actor too.’

‘I know, but I’m done for this year. Instead, I’m going to be vicariously satisfied through Woo-jin.’

‘Ha……’

Ha Yu-ra, with a deeper sigh, met Kang Woo-jin’s gaze.

‘But Woo-jin, have you prepared everything?’

Prepare what? What suddenly? When Woo-jin remained silent with a cynical look, Jeon Woo-chang answered instead.

‘Prepare what?’

‘What else, tuxedos and accessories. Ah- and.’

Ha Yu-ra opened her mouth again.

‘Acceptance speeches too.’

Acceptance speeches? As Kang Woo-jin questioned inwardly, the assistant director appeared at the tent and shouted.

‘Kang Woo-jin, standby!!!’

I don’t know, for now, Kang Woo-jin pulled out ‘Private Jin Seon-cheol.’

Meanwhile, at the same time.

In the large conference room of the new production company DM Productions, PD [Production Director] Song Man-woo with a beard was visible. He looked quite serious. Of course, his key staff members, such as the production manager, were seated on either side of him.

‘……’

‘……’

Everyone’s expression was stiff. They were all staring intently at the man sitting alone across from them. It was Choi Seong-geon with his ponytail, wearing a black coat.

‘Hmm.’

However, Choi Seong-geon was not here as Kang Woo-jin’s manager. He was here as the CEO of BW Entertainment. The reason was simple.

-Flap.

He was currently reviewing the formal contract proposed by ‘The Benevolent Evil’ side. Of course, this meeting itself had not just started. They had already been in discussions for about an hour. Then, Choi Seong-geon, who was skimming through the contract, asked PD Song Man-woo in front of him.

‘PD-nim, what is the total production cost of this ‘The Benevolent Evil’?’

PD Song Man-woo, with a firm face, replied quickly.

‘It seems like it will be around 20 billion won.’

‘I see.’

Choi Seong-geon, slowly nodding his head, murmured inwardly.

’20 billion won, huh? It’s just 20 billion won on paper, it’ll probably be close to 30 billion won. The production team is reluctant to reveal the funds at the beginning.’

The average production cost of Korean dramas these days, which include a lot of technology, was at least 10 billion won. If top actors participated and there was overseas filming, it easily exceeded 20 billion won.

”The Benevolent Evil’ also has overseas location filming. And this is not 16 episodes, but a total of 12 episodes. Even so, about 30 billion won is quite enormous.’

Moreover, it was directed by the big shot PD Song Man-woo, who had a huge hit with ‘Profiler Han-ryang.’

‘Our Woo-jin is the lead in such a big project.’

Kang Woo-jin, who was ‘Manager Park,’ was now the sole male lead. Choi Seong-geon, who was sufficiently satisfied, extended his hand to PD Song Man-woo as Kang Woo-jin’s representative.

‘Please take good care of us, PD-nim.’

‘Oh, then?’

‘Yes. Let’s sign the contract as it is.’

Below Choi Seong-geon, who had stood up, the item in the contract he was looking at caught the eye. It was Kang Woo-jin’s fee.

-80 million won per episode.

Based on a total of 12 episodes, it was close to 1 billion won.

Two days later, on the 23rd. A hotel near Buyeo.

The time was a little past 9 a.m. Kang Woo-jin could be found at the luxury hotel that the ‘Island of the Lost’ team was using as accommodation.

‘Aah!! Ah- I slept like a log.’

He stretched as he came out of the bathroom. His hair was damp, so it seemed he had just finished showering. It seemed he had been awake for quite some time. Since he was using the room alone, he had dropped his concept. Soon, Woo-jin, who picked up a hairdryer to dry his hair, checked his phone.

As always, there were many messages piled up.

Among them, Woo-jin checked the messages from Choi Seong-geon, who was currently in Seoul, first. The content included changes to today’s schedule and a few articles he had sent together. Today’s schedule for Woo-jin was relatively simple yet packed.

First, he had to film the morning scenes for ‘Island of the Lost.’

Since he had been away, he had to film as much as possible in every gap. After that, around lunchtime, he had to return to Seoul, go straight to his agency, BW Entertainment, and go through some checks and meetings.

Because there was a very, very important event today.

After spending time at the fitting studio to check his style, he had to arrive at the reserved shop and get all dolled up. He had to finish all of this before 7 p.m.

The reason for this could be found in the article that Choi Seong-geon had sent.

『[Official] Blue Dragon Film Awards, held today (23rd)···The area in front of the awards ceremony is already packed』

『Dozens of reporters taking their places around the Blue Dragon Film Awards red carpet, fans running since morning/Photo』

Today was the opening day of the Blue Dragon Film Awards.

That is, tonight, Woo-jin would attend the largest film festival in Korea for the first time in his life, something he thought he would never have the chance to do. And as an actor who was likely to win an award.

‘Ugh- damn it, I’m going crazy.’

Kang Woo-jin’s heart, which had been incredibly nervous last night, was pounding again. Then, Woo-jin checked other messages to dilute the trembling.

Soon.

‘Huh?’

Kang Woo-jin stopped at one message. It was a message from Hwa-rin. The content was just ‘Please call me when you see this.’ Woo-jin, tilting his head, cleared his throat and called Hwa-rin.

The connection signal was short.

‘Ah- thank goodness.’

Hwa-rin’s slightly excited voice was heard from the other side of the phone.

‘I was worried about what to do if I couldn’t reach you, Woo-jin.’

‘Is something the matter?’

‘No? It’s not that something is the matter… Where are you right now, Woo-jin?’

‘I’m in Buyeo right now.’

‘Why are you still there? Aren’t you preparing for the Blue Dragon?’

‘I am, I’m going to Seoul after finishing the morning filming.’

‘Ah, I see.’

She paused for a moment and then asked again.

‘Then, could I see you for a bit when you come to Seoul?’

What is it? Woo-jin, lowering his voice, answered as it was.

‘It will be difficult to make time separately. I think I’ll be going to the agency, then the fitting studio, and then the shop.’

‘I’m off today? Could I go to the fitting studio or the shop for a bit?’

‘What is the reason for that?’

‘Well- I wanted to give you something before you go to the Blue Dragon.’

‘What is it?’

‘Just something small. A gift. Because I’m grateful, for the incident the other day.’

The incident must be about the guy with the awl? Anyway, Kang Woo-jin tilted his head slightly.

‘A gift?’

Hwa-rin on the other side of the phone replied calmly.

‘Yes, a gift. A watch.’

At this time, Hwa-rin was sitting on the sofa in her living room. She was still in her pajamas, as if she had just woken up, and her long hair was slightly disheveled. Of course, she was barefaced. However, the mole under her eye was clear. What was interesting was that, unlike her calm voice, her face was full of tension.

‘Is it okay?’

Soon, Kang Woo-jin’s reply was heard from the other side of the phone.

‘I don’t mind. Do as you please.’

Hwa-rin, who instantly smiled, replied as calmly as possible.

‘Ah, then please let me know the time. I’ll adjust and go accordingly.’

‘Okay.’

‘Okay- see you in a bit.’

-Click.

As soon as the call ended, Hwa-rin, who was putting down her phone, suddenly stood up.

‘That’s it!’

For reference, Hwa-rin was not attending the Blue Dragon today. She would go to other broadcasting station award ceremonies, but today was her day off. The smile that had spread across her face gradually faded. Then, her head, still in pajamas, slowly turned.

The direction was towards the table in the center of the living room.

There, a very luxurious-looking paper bag was placed. Inside was a watch case to give to Woo-jin as a gift. Both the paper bag and the case were green.

Hwa-rin, staring intently at it, muttered to herself.

‘Well, was it a mistake to say it was small?’

She regretted it, covering her face belatedly. However, for Hwa-rin, it was a sin to easily pass by the grace of her most, most, most favorite person who had saved her and his first film festival, his first red carpet.

But she couldn’t make a fuss.

So, she chose a watch as a gift. She chose a watch that would go well with a tuxedo. In fact, she had prioritized it over anything else for the past few days. It was the watch she had purchased like that. Of course, she was satisfied.

Now, all she had to do was give this gift to Kang Woo-jin.

‘Oh, is it too much? No, it’s okay, this is enough as a token of gratitude, a gift, right? Yes. It’ll really go well with Woo-jin’s tuxedo… I’m going to take 100 screenshots.’

But for some reason, Hwa-rin looked down at the watch and sighed briefly. It was because of the price of the gift.

‘But what if Woo-jin feels burdened? Ha- I shouldn’t have said it was small.’

Because it didn’t make sense to say it was small when it was over 30 million [Korean Won].