I was Mistaken as a Monstrous Genius Actor [EN]: Chapter 217

Around the time Kang Woo-jin boarded his flight to Japan, his interview was being reported and wildly circulated in the domestic media.

『[Entertainment+] Kang Woo-jin departs for Japan to film ‘Naki-sho,’ says, “Same mindset as when I declared war at the Blue Dragon Awards”』

『Kang Woo-jin calmly declares before departing for Japan / Photo』

『Kang Woo-jin, “I will crush the Japanese actors with my acting,” departs for ‘Naki-sho’ filming』

This was due to the reporters who had been at the airport, followed by various other media outlets. It started with Kang Woo-jin’s interview, which had some hype, but as time went on, the number of clickbait articles noticeably increased.

『[Staris] Kang Woo-jin, who declared ‘Best Actor’ at the Blue Dragon Awards, boards a plane to Japan. Netizens say, “Is he going to go on a rampage with his acting in Japan?”』

It reached the point of writing novels beyond exaggeration. For Woo-jin, it was just a simple interview before departure, but through the media, it created a significant ripple effect.

Regardless, the media was gleefully writing articles. No, they were churning them out. However, surprisingly, the domestic public opinion wasn’t bad. Rather, it was at the level of praise.

– LOLOLOLOL Kang Woo-jin is crazy LOLOLOLOL

– LOLOLOLOL Kang Woo-jin is so likeable LOLOLOL

– Lee Sang-man is on fire!!!

– But if he’s the only Korean actor… it’s going to be tough LOLOLOL I’m cheering for him!!

– I personally don’t like Kang Woo-jin that much LOLOLOL but still, crush those Japanese bastards with your acting!!

– He’s so charismatic, no wonder directors are crazy about him

·

·

·

It was a mix of nationalistic pride and strange cheers like ‘Go get ’em.’ It was almost as if Kang Woo-jin had been selected as a national representative of South Korea.

Well, it wasn’t entirely wrong.

Kang Woo-jin was the only Korean actor among the lead actors of ‘Naki-sho.’ To the public, it seemed as if Woo-jin was representing Korean actors. Whatever the case, due to the loud commotion in domestic public opinion and the media, this issue quickly spread to Japan, where Kang Woo-jin was flying.

The Japanese media focused on clickbait rather than facts.

『「Kang Woo-jin」 coming to Japan, expresses excessive confidence in pre-departure interview』

『「Kang Woo-jin」 to crush Japan with his acting in ‘Naki-sho’?』

Kang Woo-jin’s public image in Japan was already polarized, and this issue was more than enough to become their prey. Of course, not all Japanese media were trash; there were also articles with facts included.

However, as with any country’s media, they crave sensationalism. Soon, the Japanese media instilled tension and vigilance in the Japanese entertainment industry.

Thanks to this, a strange competitive atmosphere was formed. Not only among Japanese actors but also in public opinion.

About two hours.

In the short time that Kang Woo-jin flew to Japan, both Korea and Japan were ablaze. It was every man for himself. So, how was Kang Woo-jin at this moment? In fact, Woo-jin had heard about the current situation from Choi Sung-gun before the plane took off.

‘It’s chaos, Woo-jin.’

Although his words were wildly exaggerated, Woo-jin’s silent reply was short.

‘It doesn’t really matter.’

And it was true. Well, it would be ridiculous to start making excuses now, saying that’s not what I meant, right? It doesn’t fit the image either.

If something happens, it happens.

The main character, Kang Woo-jin, was currently.

“······”

Soundly asleep.

Approximately two hours later, Haneda Airport in Japan.

Kang Woo-jin arrived in Japan. The time was around early lunchtime. Woo-jin, Choi Sung-gun, and the BW Entertainment team were the first to disembark from the plane.

Soon, Kang Woo-jin, who had conserved his energy with a peaceful nap, assessed the Japanese weather.

‘It’s freezing.’

While Korea and Japan were burning, Kang Woo-jin’s body was cold. He didn’t seem to care at all. On the other hand, Choi Sung-gun and the nearly 20-member Kang Woo-jin team were spreading tension as they spoke seriously with the guards.

And so, Kang Woo-jin stepped into the arrival hall of Haneda Airport.

Instantly, upon seeing the arrival hall door, Woo-jin sensed it.

‘Damn, it’s a storm.’

He knew that a huge number of reporters would be gathered behind that door. The reason was simple. Even before Kang Woo-jin appeared, he could see camera flashes going off through the translucent door. Not just a few, but every second.

But who is Kang Woo-jin now?

‘Hah, I’m used to it now.’

Wasn’t he a monster actor who had spread his smooth image even to Japan? He had already been to Japan several times, and since his first time in Japan was chaotic, his heart didn’t race much.

If not relaxed, he was at least calm.

Then.

– Swish.

With guards positioned in all directions, Kang Woo-jin approached the arrival hall door. As soon as the door opened, the expected scene unfolded.

– Flash! Flash! Flash!

– Flash! Flash! Flash! Flash!

Hundreds of Japanese reporters were clicking their camera shutters.

“$*Woo-jin!)@(*$)@$@*(&*@&(!!!!”

“Kang Woo-jin!#*(%&%*(#(%*@(*%)@(*%()@!!”

“#$*&#(*Kang Woo-jin!@()#@#”

They were all shouting at Kang Woo-jin in Japanese as soon as they saw him, but they were all yelling at once, so it was impossible to understand what they were saying. Only Kang Woo-jin’s name could barely be heard in between.

However, their excitement was more intense than when he had come before.

The airport staff and guards who were blocking the fence line were struggling to push back the reporters. On the other hand, Kang Woo-jin, with indifference plastered on his face, was quite composed.

“Hello-”

He greeted the hundreds of reporters with a calm voice and quickly passed through the arrival hall, while the cries of the Japanese reporters continued to be heard behind him.

“xx&($@*($@*((*Woo-jin!! Kang Woo-jin!!!”

Although it wasn’t certain, Woo-jin, who was fluent in Japanese, roughly understood the nuances of the reporters’ questions.

‘I can hear some things that sound like curses?’

Because there were direct challenges and high-level questions mixed in. Choi Sung-gun, who had also noticed this, stuck close to the indifferent Woo-jin and whispered.

“Ignore them, ignore them. They’re just like that because they’re excited. Most of those reporters are from small media outlets.”

It seemed like the CEO was more pissed than him? Woo-jin replied in a low voice to Choi Sung-gun’s rough word choice.

“I don’t care, I didn’t even hear them well.”

He was sincere. Woo-jin really wasn’t upset at all. This must be the buff of the ‘commoner’ at his core. Whatever the case, after passing through the war-like situation, the Kang Woo-jin team barely reached the airport exit.

The funny thing was.

‘Huh? I’ve seen that woman somewhere before?’

Outside the exit, there were people waiting for Kang Woo-jin and his team. The woman Woo-jin had just noticed was wearing a neat suit with her long hair tied back in a single braid. It was definitely a familiar face. Then, Choi Sung-gun approached her, extended his hand, and greeted her in slightly awkward Japanese.

“It’s been a while.”

“Welcome, we’ve been waiting for you.”

The woman bowed slightly as Kang Woo-jin approached.

“Mr. Woo-jin. You’ve had a long journey.”

“Yes, hello.”

He greeted her, but who was this woman? As Kang Woo-jin tilted his head in thought, Choi Sung-gun whispered in his ear.

“Thankfully, Chairman Hideki’s chief secretary came to greet us.”

Ah, right. It was then that Woo-jin remembered her from the script reading for ‘Naki-sho.’ The woman in the suit was Tetsukawa Riri, the chief secretary of Chairman Hideki. She had been very composed back then, and she was the same today.

In other words, it was as if the Japanese conglomerate ‘Kashihi Group’ had come to greet Kang Woo-jin.

Then, Chief Secretary Riri gestured behind her.

“Let’s move before it gets worse.”

On the side of the road she pointed to, two large vans and a luxurious sedan were parked. It was spacious enough for the entire Kang Woo-jin team to ride in. Among them, the vehicle for Kang Woo-jin and Choi Sung-gun was the sedan at the front.

– Click.

Thanks to Riri opening the car door for him, Choi Sung-gun got in first, somewhat flustered. Then came Kang Woo-jin. It felt like he was being treated like royalty, but Woo-jin maintained his poker face.

And so, all the cars departed.

It was then that Choi Sung-gun, in the back seat of the sedan, whispered in Woo-jin’s ear.

“I got the call, but honestly, I didn’t expect them to go this far.”

“······”

Kang Woo-jin was also genuinely impressed. Of course, internally.

‘Damn, a conglomerate backing me.’

BW Entertainment was currently backed by the ‘Kashihi Group,’ or more precisely, Chairman Hideki, as a hidden investor. This was the reason for the welcome. Of course, the backing and investment were confidential, so externally, it was presented as taking care of Kang Woo-jin, who had been selected as an advertising model.

Soon, Riri, who was sitting in the passenger seat, turned around and spoke.

“As I told the CEO, we will be taking care of your schedule in Japan this time.”

She was saying that they would be in charge of all support for Kang Woo-jin’s activities in Japan for ‘Naki-sho.’ Naturally, the accommodation Woo-jin was heading to now was also the ‘Kashihi Tokyo Hotel.’

After a few tens of minutes.

After arriving at the huge hotel, Riri, after greeting Choi Sung-gun in the lobby, left with the words, ‘Please feel free to contact us if you need anything.’ Watching her leave, Choi Sung-gun, with his ponytail, murmured as if he were possessed.

“I almost fell in love.”

Woo-jin glanced at him.

With that woman? Or with the care he received? Curiosity poked its head, but since the team of over a dozen people had arrived in the lobby, they had to move. In fact, the people in the lobby had been glancing at Kang Woo-jin for a few minutes now.

Perhaps because Chairman Hideki had already spoken about it, the check-in process was simple.

Therefore, it was quick for Woo-jin to get on the elevator, and Choi Sung-gun, who was next to him, murmured while looking at his phone.

“Rest for a bit, then come out around 2 PM. There are two interviews today, and tomorrow there’s a meeting with ‘A10 Studio’ and ‘Kashihi Group’…”

While Choi Sung-gun was talking, his phone vibrated loudly. Thanks to that, he stopped in the hallway after getting off the elevator. He paused after seeing the caller.

It was Director Ahn Ga-bok, the old fox.

Choi Sung-gun, tilting his head slightly, made eye contact with Woo-jin and put the phone to his ear.

“Yes, Director. Hello.”

Director Ahn Ga-bok’s old voice was heard from the phone.

“Have you arrived in Japan?”

“Yes? Ah- yes, yes. We just entered the hotel. But what brings you to call?”

“Mr. Woo-jin, what is your schedule like this afternoon? Around 8 PM or so.”

Suddenly? Choi Sung-gun tilted his head and started calculating in his head.

“…8 PM would be the time we’re at the accommodation.”

“I see. By any chance, how would it be if Mr. Woo-jin attended a film festival in Japan around that time?”

“Excuse me?”

“CEO Choi, you know about the ‘Tokyo Short Shorts Film Festival,’ right? That film festival opened a few days ago. It’s currently ongoing, and I was invited as a judge, so I came to Japan yesterday.”

The ‘Tokyo Short Shorts Film Festival’ was almost identical to Korea’s ‘Mise-en-scène Short Film Festival’ [a prominent short film festival in South Korea]. Similarly, it was the best short film festival in Japan. Of course, the main figures were Japanese master directors and actors, but since it was an international film festival, global figures also attended.

“Today is the closing day of the film festival. I’m also scheduled to fly back to Korea tonight. But there’s a small party after it ends, and it would be good if Mr. Woo-jin attended that, wouldn’t it? I also have something to say.”

“Ah-”

“As you know, there are many people from the film industry and the entertainment industry here. I think Mr. Woo-jin’s presence would create more buzz than now.”

Buzz? No. It was probably a matter that would shake the Japanese entertainment industry. At least, that’s what Choi Sung-gun thought. However, the problem was.

“I’m sorry, Director, but we don’t have an invitation.”

“Ah, I can take care of that.”

“…I’ll ask Mr. Woo-jin first.”

“I’ll wait.”

Choi Sung-gun hung up the phone and conveyed the key points to Kang Woo-jin in a small voice. Soon, Woo-jin nodded slowly with a silent face. A Japanese film festival party? Was it like an after-party? It was a bit annoying, but on the other hand, he was also curious.

He had heard that there were quite a few top Japanese actors there.

It could also be compared to ‘Mise-en-scène.’ Woo-jin, who had roughly made a decision, murmured in a low voice.

“It might be good to go there.”

At the same time.

– Vroom, vroom.

This time, Kang Woo-jin’s phone vibrated. The caller was Director Kyotaro, and Kang Woo-jin answered the phone while walking. What he said was naturally in Japanese.

“Director, hello.”

“I received a message that Mr. Woo-jin arrived in Japan. It would be good to meet briefly before the crank-in [start of filming], but with the filming preparations and the film festival schedule tonight.”

“Is that film festival by any chance the ‘Tokyo Short Shorts Film Festival’?”

“That’s right.”

Upon hearing the answer, Woo-jin lowered his voice to Director Kyotaro on the phone.

“I think I’ll be going too, so I guess we’ll meet there.”

Director Kyotaro was noticeably surprised.

“R-Really?!”

Several hours later, around early afternoon. Korea.

The time was 7 PM. Inside a studio in Gangnam, the entire space was decorated with posters and logos of the popular girl group ‘Elani.’

This was the studio for the girl group ‘Elani’s’ communication broadcasts.

It was mainly used for SNS or ‘Elani’s’ YouTube live broadcasts, and currently, all the members of ‘Elani,’ including Hwa-rin, were broadcasting while sitting on a pink sofa in the center of the studio.

However, it wasn’t a formal broadcast.

It was literally a communication with fans. Thanks to that, the outfits of the ‘Elani’ members sitting on the sofa were also comfortable, like hoodies. They were talking to fans while looking at the front camera and monitor.

Then.

“See you in a bit-”

Hwa-rin, who was sitting in the center of the sofa with her long hair braided into pigtails, waved her hand at the camera. The other members did the same. They were taking a short break. Soon, a staff member behind the camera shouted to the members.

“15 minutes! We’ll turn it back on in 15 minutes! This time on YouTube!”

A 15-minute break was given. The members scattered to the bathroom, to fix their makeup, etc. However, Hwa-rin immediately took out her phone while sitting on the sofa with her legs crossed. She had felt a vibration about an hour ago. Among the many notifications on her phone, what caught her eye was news from a YouTube channel.

-[‘Kang Woo-jin’s Sub-Character’ New Video Uploaded / 1 hour ago]

I can’t miss a new video from my favorite channel!

Hwa-rin, who had checked the notification, put aside other contacts and accessed the YouTube ‘Kang Woo-jin’s Sub-Character’ channel.

‘I’ll watch this first and then check the TV.’

In fact, she also had to check the TV besides ‘Kang Woo-jin’s Sub-Character.’ Anyway, Hwa-rin, with anticipation in her eyes, checked the new video of ‘Kang Woo-jin’s Sub-Character.’

And then.

“Wow- amazing.”

Hwa-rin involuntarily exclaimed. The reason was simple. The number of views for the new video of ‘Kang Woo-jin’s Sub-Character,’ which had been uploaded about an hour ago.

-【Duet + What do you want to eat? + Cooking Avatar (ep1)】 guest/ Miley Cara｜Kang Woo-jin’s Sub-Character

– 2.18 million views

It was unusual. No, it was going crazy.

Meanwhile, at Hong Hye-yeon’s house.

Whether it was her day off or not, Hong Hye-yeon, in her white and black house, was wearing pajamas. Her long straight hair was tied back in a single braid as she sat alone on the living room sofa, sipping wine. There were also snacks like cheese on the table. Hong Hye-yeon checked the time on her phone.

“7 PM-”

She picked up the remote and turned on the large TV. Soon, the general programming channel HTBS was displayed. On the TV, a title of a variety show was displayed, as if an advertisement had just ended.

-[‘Our Table: USA Edition’]

-[Episode 0]

It was ‘Our Table.’

End