I was Mistaken as a Monstrous Genius Actor [EN]: Chapter 237

Hwa-rin stood in front of the elevator, and Hong Hye-yeon, who had just entered the building, made brief eye contact with her. A short silence fell over the building’s hallway because of it.

“······”

“······”

Both wore expressions of clear surprise. It was understandable. Neither had mentioned this audition to the other. It wasn’t strange, though. They were friends who often talked on the phone, but even close friends didn’t share every detail of their work.

But to run into each other like this.

In fact, both Hwa-rin and Hong Hye-yeon were very interested in ‘Leech.’ They had been since before. From the moment Director Ahn Ga-bok officially announced ‘Leech,’ both had been preparing something. Although their specific goals differed slightly, their overall aim was the same.

To appear in ‘Leech.’

Soon, among the staff of the actresses facing each other, the managers on both sides wore troubled expressions. On Hwa-rin’s side:

‘Ugh—why does it have to be Hong Hye-yeon? This is awkward.’

The same was true for Hong Hye-yeon’s side.

‘The atmosphere is going to get weird. The audition will be conducted coldly, but these two are close, so they’ll be concerned.’

Kim Dae-young, who was unusually robust, was also seen in Hong Hye-yeon’s group.

‘Damn… this feels like a morning drama [a melodramatic TV series]. Looking at their expressions, it seems they didn’t know about each other at all?? Does that bastard Woo-jin know?’

Looking closely, Hong Hye-yeon and Hwa-rin’s situations were somewhat similar. Hong Hye-yeon had been on hiatus since her cameo in ‘Island of the Missing’ and ‘Our Table,’ and so had Hwa-rin. Anyway, it was Hong Hye-yeon who first broke the spreading silence. She swept her long straight hair back and let out a short sigh.

“Hah—you really surprised me.”

Hwa-rin shrugged.

“Me too. You didn’t say a word about doing this, unnie [older sister or close female friend].”

“And you’re acting like you did?”

It seemed like a slight bickering, but it was their usual behavior. Then, Hong Hye-yeon approached Hwa-rin in front of the elevator.

“This project itself has a lot of confidentiality. Plus, it’s Director Ahn Ga-bok’s work, so there are tons of actors vying for it. I didn’t hear who exactly, but the rumors say they’re all top-tier. Well, even though the audition itself and Woo-jin’s role as a judge are a bit of a filter, there would be quite a crowd, and it might not work out, so I didn’t say anything.”

“Yeah, unnie. That’s right. I was the same. Plus, I’m an idol, so it’s a bit awkward to talk about. Honestly, I thought a lot about coming. I wondered if I’d be okay in this audition.”

“What are you talking about? What’s wrong with you?”

“It’s not that there’s anything wrong, but there are some perceptions because of that.”

The two, waiting for the elevator, spoke their true feelings. However, they hid one thing.

‘About Woo-jin… well, I don’t need to bring it up.’

‘Just in case, let’s not mention Woo-jin. I shouldn’t make it obvious.’

It was about Kang Woo-jin. Both actresses had been greatly influenced by Woo-jin to get to this point. Whatever the case, the atmosphere became strange.

“When did you start preparing?”

“From when the talk about ‘Leech’ started. What about you, unnie?”

“Me too, around the time Director Ahn Ga-bok came to Da Nang.”

“Ah—really? Hmm, the role you’re auditioning for is probably the same as mine, right?”

“Probably? As far as I know, there’s only one female character being auditioned today.”

A rivalry was created between Hwa-rin and Hong Hye-yeon. It was the first time this had happened since they became close. There had never been any overlap, and they thought there wouldn’t be such a situation in the future, so the two women felt a bit complicated inside while talking.

Regardless, both teams got on the elevator.

-Ding!

On the second floor, as the two women got off the elevator, Hong Hye-yeon murmured first.

“Hwa-rin, do your best. But I’m going to do well too.”

“Of course. No holding back.”

“I can’t afford to hold back. Let’s just try to survive.”

“I guess… this is a battlefield, right? I’ll call you after it’s over.”

“Okay, okay.”

After finishing their conversation appropriately, Hwa-rin and Hong Hye-yeon headed to their respective waiting rooms. Unlike their initial surprise, they had faces that calmly accepted the competition. At this moment, regardless of their friendship, Hong Hye-yeon and Hwa-rin were just actresses.

Desperate to win a role in ‘Leech.’

Moreover, the actors they had to push aside today were not just one or two. It meant they didn’t have time to worry about unnecessary things.

That’s why Hong Hye-yeon too.

“Hye-yeon, are you okay?”

“About what?”

“I mean, you didn’t know Hwa-rin would be here.”

“I don’t know who all the actors coming today are anyway. Hwa-rin is just one of them. More importantly, where’s the script?”

“Ah—here.”

Hwa-rin’s side too.

“Wow—how did things turn out like this? I didn’t expect Hye-yeon to come… I feel a bit uneasy. Hwa-rin, can you audition without being bothered?”

“Yeah. Somehow, I feel even more fired up. It’s the first time I’ve been like this with unnie. I know I’m going to be incredibly lacking, but I still want to give it a shot.”

For some reason, their fighting spirit suddenly increased. It wasn’t because they looked down on or envied each other. It was the energy that could only come from truly acknowledging each other. Watching Hong Hye-yeon, who had opened her script, Kim Dae-young murmured to himself.

‘Hong Hye-yeon and Hwa-rin. They have completely different styles… I can’t guess how this will turn out.’

Behind them.

Many actors began to arrive at the ‘Cloud Above Theater’ building where the ‘Leech’ audition was to be held. From top-tier to A-list, including both men and women. More than five had already appeared, and twice as many were expected to come.

There were more people than expected.

Of course, this was also because it was an audition and because Kang Woo-jin was included as a judge. It was exactly the picture Director Ahn Ga-bok wanted. A situation where he was looking for actors who remembered their initial intentions and were equipped with a desperate will to survive. Actors who would unreservedly abandon their pride and desperately cling to the role, regardless of their reputation.

However, not all the actors participating in the audition were without complaints.

“Hah—Dong-wook, I’m asking you one last time before we go to the waiting room, are you really going to do this audition?”

“I said I am. How many times do I have to say it?”

“No matter how I think about it, there’s no benefit for you, right? An audition is an audition. Is it right for someone of your level to be auditioning?? Especially with that kid Kang Woo-jin as a judge?”

“I don’t know. I’ll just ignore him. Besides, I heard Kang Woo-jin got a love call from Hollywood. So, that kind of makes up for it.”

“You don’t even know if that’s 100% true. And these days, there’s all that fuss about him playing the piano in Japan.”

“Putting all that aside, it’s Director Ahn Ga-bok’s 100th work. Honestly, I’m greedy for it, right? I just won’t look at Kang Woo-jin.”

Or discomfort.

“Hah… is Kang Woo-jin really coming as a judge?”

“I don’t know. But if the film company isn’t saying anything, it means there hasn’t been a change. Prepare with the thought that Kang Woo-jin is there.”

“Ugh, it would be perfect if it weren’t for Kang Woo-jin. It’s okay to audition, but… it’s a bit much to have Kang Woo-jin sitting in front of me.”

“What can you do? You can’t always do only the good things. But I heard Kang Woo-jin is also going to be the lead in Song Man-woo PD’s [Production Director] new project. His momentum is definitely stronger than yours.”

“Hey, are you on my side?”

Of course, there were also top actors who focused on the role they would win, regardless of the surrounding environment. For example, Jin Jae-joon, the lead of the recent blockbuster movie ‘Drug Dealer,’ who had just arrived, was one of them.

“Jae-joon, you’ve arrived. Are you okay?”

“Yeah. I’m fine.”

“Did you contact Woo-jin?”

“No. There’s no need to, so I didn’t.”

“…Honestly, I acknowledge Woo-jin’s acting in ‘Drug Dealer,’ but even so, isn’t it a burden to have Woo-jin as a judge?”

“Well. Sort of.”

“There’s no need to push yourself.”

“Why? I have to push myself. There’s a monster named Kang Woo-jin in front of me? You don’t know. Seeing Woo-jin act in front of me is really… anyway, I feel something boiling inside me. Jung-min hyung [older brother or close male friend] told me to turn the frustration I feel when I see Woo-jin into poison.”

Actors continued to arrive. Fortunately, they appeared at different times, so there weren’t many instances of actors running into each other.

About an hour later.

Around 1 PM. In the outdoor parking lot, where the number of parked vans and minivans had increased, a large black van had just finished parking. It was Kang Woo-jin’s van.

-Swoosh.

Kang Woo-jin, wearing a gray knit and a long coat, got out. He was wearing a mask, and his hair was natural. He had come straight here from Japan, so it was natural. Since he only had to do the audition, there was no need to go to a salon, and Kang Woo-jin, who got out of the van, put on his habitual concept.

“······”

His breath formed a small cloud as he exhaled. In early February, with the cold weather raging, Kang Woo-jin fixed his gaze on the rather large building in front of him. A three-story building with a new-looking exterior and an external steel staircase.

‘Is that the small theater? It looks different from what I imagined?’

He thought the audition venue would be a small building since it was a small theater, but it was bigger than he expected.

‘With that size, is it a stage? A small theater? The width is huge too?’

At this point, Choi Sung-gun, with his ponytail, and the bulky Jang Su-hwan joined Woo-jin. It seemed that stylists like Han Ye-jung were resting in the car. Soon, Choi Sung-gun tapped Woo-jin’s shoulder.

“Besides Director Ahn Ga-bok and actor Shim Han-ho, all the actors who came to this small theater are top-tier. Of course, you won’t be nervous, but I’ll ask anyway. Are you calm?”

No, honestly, I’m a bit nervous. Kang Woo-jin was just feeling so-so even when he was on the plane earlier. But now that the audition was right in front of him, he was a bit nervous. It was understandable. This was his first time at such a large-scale audition, and he was participating as a judge, not as an actor.

Moreover, all the actors and directors were big names.

In front of them, he had to show his experience as one of the two leads of ‘Leech’ or as a judge.

‘Wow—did I make a mistake in saying I’d do this? It feels like it would be more uncomfortable to just sit still.’

Kang Woo-jin murmured inwardly, trying not to show it. But what could he do now? He had no choice but to keep up the tough act.

“Yes, CEO. I’m the same as always.”

“Okay. By the way, our Woo-jin is a judge for Director Ahn Ga-bok’s work. If this wasn’t confidential, I’d take 100 photos and upload them to social media right away. What a shame, what a shame.”

Behind Choi Sung-gun, who was genuinely regretful, a strange man’s shout was heard from the right.

“Woo-jin-ssi! Hello!!”

It was a staff member from the ‘Leech’ team.

“This way! I’ll guide you!!”

Shortly after.

Guided by the staff, Kang Woo-jin entered the small theater on the first floor of the building. To be exact, he was on the stage in front of the small theater. Soon, Woo-jin, who was alone on the stage, scanned the entire small theater. A moderately sized stage, a large screen behind the stage, various lights hanging from the ceiling, and quite a few seats, even at a glance.

As expected, this small theater was quite large in scale.

‘Can you even call this a small theater? It looks like a medium-sized one??’

It felt like the small theater was a combination of a theater stage and a movie theater. It was natural since it was rented out in various forms, and today, the ‘Leech’ audition would be held on this stage. Thanks to that, drinks and transparent files were placed on the armrests of the first row of seats right in front of the stage.

I guess the judges sit there.

As Kang Woo-jin took in the front seats, an old voice interrupted from the entrance next to the small theater stage.

“You’ve arrived?”

At the sound, Woo-jin turned his head to see an old man with a relaxed posture, his hands behind his back, wearing a gray light padding, and a wrinkled smile. It was the legendary director Ahn Ga-bok.

“I heard you came straight from Japan, but you’re here early.”

Director Ahn Ga-bok slowly walked onto the stage where Woo-jin was standing. Then, Kang Woo-jin bowed to him.

“Hello, Director.”

“Yes, yes. Are you tired? Thank you. You’re working hard with your schedule between Japan and Korea, and you’re even taking care of this audition.”

“It’s nothing.”

“Haha. As I said before, it’s okay if you just sit there, so don’t feel pressured.”

“······”

“By the way, I heard a lot of news about you when you went to Japan? What’s with that piano video?”

Kang Woo-jin lowered his voice.

“I just played it casually, but it became more of a hot topic than I expected.”

“Listening to your playing, it didn’t sound like you’ve only played for a year or two? You’re a friend who makes me wonder more and more the more I see you.”

“······”

“Ah, right. I heard you’re also going to be in Song PD’s next project?”

“Yes.”

Director Ahn Ga-bok, who had come closer, carefully examined Kang Woo-jin’s face.

“Are you overdoing it?”

“I’m fine.”

Director Ahn Ga-bok, a legend in the Korean film industry, who had been looking at Woo-jin for a moment, let out a worried breath.

“…Woo-jin, you’re an actor who will lead the Korean acting scene in the future. Never overdo it. If you stop, it will be a huge loss for the Korean acting scene.”

It wasn’t lip service. It was the sincerity of Director Ahn Ga-bok, who had changed to a serious expression. The old man vaguely knew.

‘I don’t have much time. This guy will be the actor who will carry on my history, my goals.’

He wasn’t talking about Korea. It was about Hollywood. Kang Woo-jin nodded solemnly in response.

‘As expected, this grandpa is a bit of a tsundere [a person who is initially cold but later shows a warmer side]. He secretly takes care of me.’

Here, Director Ahn Ga-bok changed the subject.

“Ah, and there’s one more confirmed actor besides you and actor Shim Han-ho. Actress Oh Hee-ryung for the role of ‘Yoo Hyun-ji.’”

It meant that an actress was confirmed for the role of ‘Yoo Hyun-ji,’ the madam, one of the key figures in ‘Leech.’ Actress Oh Hee-ryung, whom Director Ahn Ga-bok mentioned, had a career of over 25 years and still had a beauty that made her look like she was in her 30s, even though she was over 50.

In addition, she had several keywords associated with her.

Seductive, luxurious, sophisticated, alluring, etc. That’s why she was still a top actress who was in demand in many projects. Compared to Hong Hye-yeon, she was a step above.

Of course, Kang Woo-jin also knew Oh Hee-ryung.

‘Wow—amazing. She’s going to be ‘Yoo Hyun-ji’? The synchronization is insane.’

A deep male voice joined in from the side.

“Are you doing a rehearsal or something?”

It was the great actor Shim Han-ho. He still had a charisma that reminded one of a tiger, and his gray-mixed long hair was tied up. He strode onto the stage. He greeted Director Ahn Ga-bok politely, and then Shim Han-ho, who met Kang Woo-jin’s gaze, extended his hand.

“I’m watching your activities closely.”

Kang Woo-jin flinched inwardly at the force he had, but Woo-jin tried to maintain a calm and poker face as much as possible.

“Thank you, senior.”

“You must be busy, but have you done some analysis of ‘Leech’?”

“Yes, to some extent. I’m still working on it.”

Shim Han-ho, who had let go of Woo-jin’s hand, looked at Director Ahn Ga-bok once and then met Kang Woo-jin’s eyes again.

“I’m looking forward to it.”

After that, the audition setup was completed in the small theater, which was in the form of a theater stage. However, nothing grand was prepared. Checking the condition of the lights, the judges, including Kang Woo-jin, sitting in their seats, and the key staff of ‘Leech’ and the managers of the actors sitting in various seats.

Finally.

“Okay—let’s start. Who’s the first actor?”

At Director Ahn Ga-bok’s question, who was sitting in the front seat of the stage, the assistant director next to him whispered.

“Jin Jae-joon is the first.”

“Hmm, call him.”

“Understood.”

The assistant director radioed the waiting staff, and Director Ahn Ga-bok opened the script that had been given out in advance. Today’s audition was scheduled to be a designated performance. Depending on the role, they would be looking at the content within ‘Leech.’

“Let’s see, the counterpart for each actor is—”

The film company representative, who was sitting to the right of Director Ahn Ga-bok, who was trailing off, interrupted.

“Wouldn’t it be okay if I did it?”

“Is that so?”

“Yes. It’s just about receiving the lines appropriately.”

It was at this moment.

“Director.”

A sudden low voice was heard from the very end seat. Thanks to that, everyone from Director Ahn Ga-bok to Shim Han-ho, the film company representative, the key staff sitting in the back seats, and the managers of the actors except for Choi Sung-gun, looked in the same direction.

Kang Woo-jin was sitting in the end seat, and he murmured suddenly in a low tone.

“I’ll do the counterpart.”

The entire small theater fell silent for a moment.

End