I was Mistaken as a Monstrous Genius Actor [EN]: Chapter 230

Megan Stone’s sudden, blunt statement over the phone caught Joseph Felton off guard. He remained silent for a moment, his composure momentarily shaken, before leaning back on the sofa with a leisurely smirk.

“Well, Megan, I have no idea what you’re talking about,” he said, feigning ignorance.

Megan’s response was immediate.

“Are you trying to play dumb?” she challenged.

“I’m saying I genuinely don’t know what you’re talking about,” Joseph replied, maintaining his act.

Joseph, who was Black, casually picked up his green drink, taking a sip.

“I heard that ‘Last Kill 3’ is in an uproar because of that leak. But I’m not involved, you know? And you said you were in Japan,” he added, trying to deflect the accusation.

“Of course, things are still quiet in Japan. But if the article originates from Korea, it will become a hot topic here soon. Kang Woo-jin’s recognition in Japan is more significant than I thought,” Megan stated, her tone amused.

Joseph rested his chin on his hand, intrigued by her words.

“Oh, really?” he asked, playing along.

“Joseph, you knew it too. You asked me for Kang Woo-jin’s investigation report, and after that, your team must have investigated him in more detail,” Megan pointed out, her voice sharp.

“Haha. Me?” Joseph chuckled, feigning innocence.

“Yes. I knew it after seeing his acting. Kang Woo-jin will be in Hollywood soon,” Megan declared confidently.

“······”

As Joseph remained silent, a smile playing on his lips, Megan continued on the other end of the phone.

“Honestly, at first, I thought Kang Woo-jin was the one who leaked the ‘Last Kill 3’ screen test information. But after coming here, I realized that Kang Woo-jin already has more than one or two issues. It wasn’t worth the risk of him doing it himself,” she explained.

“So?” Joseph prompted, curious about her conclusion.

“After carefully considering Kang Woo-jin’s unconventional acting, I remembered that you showed interest in him, Joseph. But since you’re a capable producer, it wouldn’t have been a pointless action,” Megan reasoned.

“······”

“Kang Woo-jin has high recognition in major Asian countries like Korea and Japan, and both countries have plans to release ‘Last Kill 3’. I think you aimed to increase the movie’s recognition by releasing the information, and then boost Kang Woo-jin’s image. It might not be a big favor, but it could create a positive atmosphere in future conversations with Kang Woo-jin,” Megan speculated, laying out her theory.

Indeed. Joseph, who was putting down his green drink, was slightly impressed internally. Megan Stone, as a Hollywood caddie [a person who guides and advises actors], was no ordinary person. But Joseph pretended not to know.

“Haha, Megan. Aren’t you overthinking it? Do you think I would go that far because of a Korean actor I saw just once?” he asked, trying to dismiss her theory.

“Everyone else might see it that way, but I think you, Joseph, have recognized considerable value in Kang Woo-jin,” Megan countered, unwavering in her assessment.

“Considerable value, huh? Anyway, Megan, it’s a misunderstanding. You’ve got it wrong,” Joseph insisted, trying to shut down the conversation.

“Of course, I didn’t expect you to admit it so easily. It’s all my speculation, and there’s no evidence. I just wanted to say one thing,” Megan said, her tone shifting.

“What is it?” Joseph asked, intrigued despite himself.

“I can roughly guess what kind of preliminary work you have in mind and what scripts you wrote related to Kang Woo-jin, but it’s all in vain,” Megan stated, her voice firm.

“…In vain?” Joseph repeated, a hint of surprise in his voice.

“Yes. If you see Kang Woo-jin’s acting in person, you’ll feel it too. It’s all meaningless. He doesn’t need anyone’s help; he’s already paving his own way and running. At an incredible speed,” Megan declared, her conviction clear.

Joseph’s expression became serious. Regardless, Megan’s tone on the other end of the phone was.

“And after seeing him in person, Kang Woo-jin doesn’t seem to feel particularly grateful. He seems to have already forgotten about ‘Last Kill 3’. He’s already made his declaration of presence. When I asked about the actual ‘Last Kill 3’ screen test video…” she paused, a chuckle in her voice.

“Kang Woo-jin even looked annoyed,” she finished, her laughter deepening.

After that.

On the 24th, in the afternoon. Around 7 PM, with only a few hours left until the end of Sunday. HTBS, a general programming channel among TV channels, was broadcasting a recently popular variety show.

-‘Our Table’

-Episode 1

It was Yoon Byung-sun PD’s ‘Our Table,’ which had become a hit with a first episode viewership rating of 15.6%.

As evidenced by the blockbuster ratings, ‘Our Table’ was playing on TVs in many places, from homes to restaurants and bars. In addition, many people were watching ‘Our Table’.

-OhㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋIt’s starting!!

-It’s finally here, my healing!!

-ㅋㅋㅋㅋㅠㅠㅠㅠThe only healing on Sunday…..I’ve been waiting…..

-Are they showing the move to the US starting today??

-Yes, they’re starting business in the US in earnest

Last week, they showed the basic plans, team formation, one-day restaurant, and team practice. Today, ‘Our Table’ started with the members departing for the United States in earnest.

The pace was fast.

While showing the chemistry between the members, including Kang Woo-jin, they immediately arrived in the United States. Then, they showed the members’ brief reactions, the food truck they would operate, an introduction to the inside of the food truck, and even the accommodation the members would use.

After that.

-앜ㅋㅋㅋㅋAhn Jong-hak is immediately made a figureheadㅋㅋㅋㅋ

-Kang Woo-jin is the youngest in terms of experience, but suddenly he’s the leaderㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ

-Oh, but Kang Woo-jin has leadership skills, he’s giving orders right away regardless of seniorityㅋㅋㅋㅋ

-Chef Kang Woo-jin

The broadcast showed the meeting between Kang Woo-jin, the main chef and leader, and the members, the selection of the food truck menu, and the preparation for business and ingredients. Of course, variety show elements were appropriately added in between. It was indeed a production worthy of Yoon Byung-sun PD, the master of variety shows.

Then, the ‘Our Table’ team began their food truck business in earnest.

The first location was near North Hollywood Park in LA.

The TV, which had shown a wide view of the park as an insert, featured an elderly couple holding hands. Both had white hair and kind faces. Then, the elderly couple noticed a food truck with a mix of red and blue colors overall.

-‘KOREAN FOOD’

-‘Our Table’

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

[“It seems so. What are they selling?”]

Ultimately, the elderly couple was the first customer of ‘Our Table’. Their appearance caused a slight stir in the real-time chat window.

-ㅠㅠㅜㅜㅠㅜㅠI miss my grandmaㅠㅜㅠㅜㅠㅜㅠㅜ

-Doesn’t the grandpa seem to have some kind of force??ㅋㅋㅋㅋHe’s not ordinary

-But Americans praise Koreans’ skin a lotㅋㅋㅋㅋThese people too

-I’m curious what their reaction will be after eating Korean food!!

The elderly couple continued their conversation on TV.

[“It’s a Korean TV show.”]

[“I see, does that mean everyone working is a celebrity? It’s hard to expect good food.”]

Ahn Jong-hak was the one who gave them a menu with a simple greeting, and the elderly couple, after hearing the explanation of the TV show, chose two dishes.

[“I’ll have the Bulgogi Rice Bowl, and you?”]

[“This one. Gimjab······”]

[“It’s called Gimjaban Buckwheat Noodles.”]

[“Okay, I’ll have that.”]

The elderly couple glanced at Kang Woo-jin inside the food truck. It seemed like he was the center of it all.

[“That chef must be an actor too.”]

[“Yeah, he’s handsome.”]

[“Maybe we should have had tacos? The food on these shows is never good.”]

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

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

Viewers who got a hint from the elderly couple’s conversation got excited.

-Oh??? My restaurant?? That grandpa seems like a real chefㅋㅋㅋㅋ

-ㅠㅠㅠㅠPlease, I hope they fall in love with Korean food….

-What if that grandpa turns out to be a super famous chef???

-Did the production team scout him??

After that, Ahn Jong-hak, the figurehead, served the Bulgogi Rice Bowl and Woo-jin’s original creation, Gimjaban Buckwheat Noodles. The elderly couple looked down at it curiously. After briefly explaining how to eat it, Ahn Jong-hak stepped back, and the elderly couple checked the smell and shape of the food before eating.

A caption appeared below.

-‘An Unusual Presence’

At that moment.

[“Hello.”]

The angle suddenly changed, and an interview cut of the elderly couple appeared. It was their introduction scene. It turned out that this foreign grandpa was the owner and chef of a Michelin 1-star restaurant.

-WowㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋAmazing

-ㅋㅋㅋㅋI knew itㅋㅋㅋHe had a strong presenceㅋㅋㅋㅋ

-That restaurant will be swarming with Koreans nowㅋㅋㅋㅋ

-Wow….Michelin 1-star….

-But did Kang Woo-jin create that Gimjaban Buckwheat Noodles himself???

-Yes, yes, yes, he made it before coming to the US

The screen changed again. The elderly couple who received the food finally tasted it. Starting with the foreign grandpa who kept smelling the Gimjaban Buckwheat Noodles.

[“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 thing floating in the broth seaweed?”]

A brief introduction of Gimjaban Buckwheat Noodles. The image of the noodles also appeared as an insert on the screen. Then, the white-haired grandpa, who was not very pleased, carefully scooped up the broth. His expression hardened instantly.

-Huh??? What is it?? Is it not good?? Ah…please!!

The grandpa scoops up the broth a few more times without saying anything. Once, twice, three times. Then he scoops up the noodles. After showing the tense faces of the ‘Our Table’ members, the grandma in the TV, who was watching the elderly couple, asked.

[“How does that brown noodle taste?”]

The grandpa, who was chewing the noodles with a stern expression, said firmly.

[“We were wrong.”]

[“Huh? Why, is it not good?”]

[“The man who made this dish is not an actor, he’s a real chef.”]

At that moment, the viewer chat window exploded.

-ㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋSo funnyㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ

-NoㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋNo wayㅋㅋㅋㅋI learn from you, grandpa actorㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ

-Wow…but does that mean it’s so delicious that the chef grandpa got confused??? I really want to eat Gimjaban Buckwheat Noodles…

-CrazyㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋKang Woo-jin suddenly became a chefㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ

-……Slurp…..Where can I eat that Gimjaban Buckwheat Noodles????

-ㅠㅠㅠㅠI want to eat it so bad!!!!!

Most of them were clamoring for Gimjaban Buckwheat Noodles.

Monday after the weekend.

The first episode of ‘Our Table,’ which aired yesterday, ended with the elderly foreign couple’s praise for Korean food, a conversation with the main chef Kang Woo-jin, foreigners flocking to the food truck, and then the next day, a huge line of foreigners waiting for the food truck after the first day ended.

The real-time viewer chat room was in chaos with curiosity.

Anyway, on Monday morning, the viewership rating for the first episode of ‘Our Table’ was announced.

『[Official] Captured the weekend home, ‘Our Table’ Episode 1 Total Viewership Rating 17.5%!』

It was 17.5%, a 2% increase from last week. It was at a level where it could even reach 20% viewership. Articles were quickly published.

『Will it reach 20%? ‘Our Table’ is a huge hit!』

『[Snapshot] Kang Woo-jin’s ‘Gimjaban Buckwheat Noodles’ appeared on ‘Our Table’, a heavenly taste that confused the local chef?』

『It works overseas too… The beauty of Hong Hye-yeon and Hwa-rin captivated Americans/Photo』

『’Our Table’ starts food truck business in the US… Americans fall for ‘Kang Woo-jin’s’ cooking/Photo』

『Viewers who watched ‘Our Table’ with a 17.5% viewership rating say, “I want to eat Gimjaban Buckwheat Noodles too!!”』

Because of the rumors about Kang Woo-jin’s Hollywood debut, Woo-jin’s articles were also mixed in and flooded the media.

『Main chef on ‘Our Table’, Hollywood debut as an actor? What is the Hollywood movie that Kang Woo-jin screen tested for?』

It was beyond a tidal wave. The domestic media was enthusiastically publishing articles about the overflowing topics, and the ‘Our Table’ team, including Yoon Byung-sun PD, was further promoting the show by uploading various videos.

In addition, the snowball of Kang Woo-jin’s buzz grew uncontrollably.

However,

『Kang Woo-jin remains silent despite the growing ‘Hollywood debut’ rumors』

Kang Woo-jin himself had no particular reaction.

As Monday passed and Tuesday dawned, the numerous rumors circulating in Korea eventually landed in Japan, where Kang Woo-jin was filming ‘Strange Sacrifice’.

『「Strange Sacrifice」Kang Woo-jin, noisy in Korea with news of Hollywood debut』

『「Kang Woo-jin」is going to Hollywood, a Korean YouTuber’s video that broke the scoop』

Thanks to that, the set of ‘Strange Sacrifice’, which was in the middle of filming, became chaotic. The actors, as well as the hundred or so staff members, were whispering while looking at Kang Woo-jin.

“Did you see the article? They say Woo-jin is going to Hollywood?”

“Ah- but that was just a screen test, right?”

“No, they say it’s confirmed?”

“Huh? The article I saw said he just took the test.”

It was even more so because of the group of foreigners who had recently appeared on set.

“Ah! Those foreigners! They must have been Hollywood officials!”

“Huh? I thought they were the special effects team??”

Unfounded rumors spread.

“They say Woo-jin will go to Hollywood right after our project ends.”

“He’s really amazing- how can an actor grow at this speed in just one year since his debut… I don’t think there’s anyone like that in Japan, Korea, or even Hollywood?”

“But isn’t it understandable? You’ve seen Woo-jin’s acting.”

The actors of ‘Strange Sacrifice’ looked at Woo-jin with wonder or envy. In particular, Yasuta, who played Kinjo, was visibly itching to say something.

However, no one directly asked Kang Woo-jin.

The unique nature of the Japanese people also played a part, and there was also Director Kyotaro’s special order not to disrupt the atmosphere of the set. Meanwhile, filming for ‘Strange Sacrifice’ continued. They had to finish the high school scenes as quickly as possible.

Even so, Director Kyotaro looked at Woo-jin in the monitor with a puzzled expression.

‘Did Megan Stone come after the screen test? Or is Megan on a completely different team?’

Whatever it was, Kang Woo-jin maintained a poker face as if it were someone else’s business and focused on filming, and Tuesday ended with both Korea and Japan in an uproar.

Then, on Wednesday, the 27th.

Today, the ‘Strange Sacrifice’ team’s standby was early. From early morning, about a hundred staff members and actors gathered at the high school, and today was the last day of filming at the high school.

In other words, the past scenes would be finished by the morning.

The first scene started with Kang Woo-jin or Kiyoshi watching each of the nine students doing their homework. It also included the appropriate relationships and conflicts between each character. Then, around 11 AM, when the past filming was about 2-3 hours from completion, a short break was given.

The staff ran around the classrooms and hallways.

“Please add a camera to the hallway!!”

“Check the props in the classroom first!”

“Did you go get the desks??!”

It was like a chaotic market. Meanwhile, the actors were talking while looking at the script. A simple rehearsal. Of course, the locations were different. Some were in the classroom, some in the hallway, and some in front of the bathroom. Everyone had different scene locations.

Around this time, Kang Woo-jin, wearing a school uniform, was.

“Hmm-”

He stood at the end of the hallway with an indifferent face. His cut location was the stairs right next to him, and he was currently pretending to look at the script solemnly, but he was thinking about other things.

‘I’m so hungry. I want some Ttukbul [spicy stir-fried beef], damn it.’

Should I tell the CEO tonight and go to a Korean restaurant? As he was thinking, Woo-jin turned his head and saw the classroom right in front of him. No, on closer inspection, it wasn’t just any classroom.

‘Music room?’

Woo-jin, who read the Japanese letters on the nameplate in his mind, peeked inside through the window to take a look. In the center of the fairly large space, many chairs were placed, and various instruments were lined up along the window.

‘Oh- it brings back memories.’

Kang Woo-jin, who recalled his school days, glanced around and opened the front door of the music room. A faint noise and the unique smell of wood hit his nose.

Meanwhile, Uramatsu Mihuyu, the actress with big eyes and plump lips who played ‘Horinochi Amie’ in ‘Strange Sacrifice’, glanced at Kang Woo-jin at the end of the hallway while talking to the other actors.

‘Woo-jin? Where is he going?’

At the same time, Director Kyotaro, with his gray hair, appeared while talking to the assistant director, looking around the hallway.

“Where’s Woo-jin?”

Mihuyu pointed to the end of the hallway with her index finger.

“Over there.”

Meanwhile, Kang Woo-jin had stopped after stepping into the music room. He saw a large black shape on the stage in front of the music room. After looking at it for a moment, Woo-jin slowly approached it, brushed off the dust on the cover, and lifted the cover. Soon, white and black keys appeared.

“Hmm-”

It was a piano.