I was Mistaken as a Monstrous Genius Actor [EN]: Chapter 239

The eyes of the ‘Beneficial Evil’ team subtly shifted at Kim So-hyang’s proposal. However, PD [Production Director] Song Man-woo’s posture and gaze towards Kim So-hyang remained serious. He was a big shot in the drama industry and wouldn’t be easily swayed by such an offer.

‘Well, Netflix is a first.’

Since PD Song Man-woo had always been affiliated with broadcasting stations, it was the first time an external platform had directly approached him. However, he had already been contacted by other OTT [Over-the-Top, streaming] platforms, so he had anticipated Netflix as well. In any case, PD Song Man-woo was currently a free agent.

It didn’t matter whether it was a broadcasting station or Netflix.

The important thing was the conditions.

Soon, PD Song Man-woo smiled slightly and continued.

“Thank you for the offer, Director Kim. You’re getting straight to the point, haha.”

Kim So-hyang also offered a relaxed smile.

“I know we’re late to the party. However, we moved immediately after hearing the news. Internally, we had many meetings to present PD-nim with an enticing offer.”

“I see. I was about to decide on a destination.”

“I expected as much. In the meantime, after seeing the first episode script and synopsis of ‘Beneficial Evil,’ I became even more ambitious. Ah, you haven’t announced the ‘Beneficial Evil’ title externally yet, have you?”

“Yes, we’re planning to announce it along with the destination, so we’re watching the timing.”

Kim So-hyang nodded and received a transparent file from a team leader-level employee next to her. Then, she spoke again.

“To be honest, even though we were second, ‘Hanryang’ did very well in Japan. It’s still maintaining a high ranking. PD Song Man-woo created that, and writer Choi Na-na is writing it. Writer Choi Na-na has already clearly demonstrated her abilities with ‘Boyfriend.’ ”

“I’m well aware. She’s currently writing the manuscript with great quality.”

“Just seeing the two of you is enough. But when I heard that actor Kang Woo-jin had joined, I couldn’t resist. I thought we absolutely had to get this.”

Not only Kim So-hyang, but everyone who had met with PD Song Man-woo, including broadcasting stations, felt the same way. After the article about Kang Woo-jin joining ‘Beneficial Evil’ broke, PD Song Man-woo’s phone had been ringing non-stop.

Anyway, Kim So-hyang said.

“Of course, the content of the script and synopsis also fueled my ambition. It was unbelievably fun. I wanted to see the second episode script right away. Moreover, the cool and exhilarating action was sophisticated, and the story was packed. The Korean design and artistic appeal also stood out.”

She slid the transparent file towards PD Song Man-woo.

“This work, with the three of you combined, will surely achieve amazing results in Korea. But PD-nim, in my eyes, ‘Beneficial Evil’ has a high potential for success worldwide. The domestic market feels small for the writer. Why don’t you take a look at our conditions and aim for the world?”

PD Song Man-woo unfolded the transparent file. He couldn’t grasp everything immediately, but even at a glance, there were considerable conditions attached.

‘Indeed, I can see sincerity in the conditions.’

They weren’t the most outstanding compared to the conditions of broadcasting stations, but there were many areas where they surpassed them. Especially the funding section. At this point, Kim So-hyang continued her briefing.

“The Korean Wave [Hallyu] is gaining strength, but globally, K-pop is dominant, and K-content is not yet very noticeable. Of course, there are risks for PD-nim as well. But PD-nim has already had great success in Korea, and I think you might be getting tired of it. And this is your first work after going independent.”

“······”

“Kang Woo-jin, who will be the lead, is also continuously expanding his reach overseas. Director Ahn Ga-bok went to Cannes, and recently there was news of a Hollywood love call.”

Kim So-hyang put strength into her voice.

“I think ‘Beneficial Evil’ can turn the world upside down, PD-nim.”

These words struck a chord with PD Song Man-woo. Or rather, they reminded him even more. They fueled him.

‘The world—that’s right, I thought I should try it once before I die.’

It was originally a goal that PD Song Man-woo had. In the Korean drama industry, he was called a big shot, but PD Song Man-woo himself felt a slight lack. Of course, when a work hits big in Korea, a thrill spreads. But sometimes, he felt like he was trapped in a well.

PD Song Man-woo was a man who would pour his soul into drama production, obsessed with directing.

Since before ‘Hanryang,’ he had been thinking. Will my directing work overseas beyond Korea? Can they enjoy our work? Should I stay here?

‘Maybe now is the time I’ve been putting off.’

In fact, if you add the condition of overseas to the future of ‘Beneficial Evil,’ Netflix was the perfect destination. In PD Song Man-woo’s ambition, he wanted to hold a meeting about a worldwide launch right away. But this was a matter of life and death for ‘Beneficial Evil.’

‘Including writer Choi Na-na, of course.’

There were at least two people whose permission he needed.

‘Kang totem. No, I need to hear what Woo-jin thinks.’

A few minutes later, back at the small theater, the ‘Leech’ audition venue.

There were about 30 people gathered in the small theater. What was interesting was that their atmosphere was now heavier than before. The air in the entire small theater was also hot. It wasn’t because of the strong heater.

It was because of the acting of the two actors on stage.

Kang Woo-jin, possessed by Park Ha-sung, and Yoon Ja-ho, or rather, Jin Jae-joon, who willingly accepted that Park Ha-sung. The intensity of the acting of the two actors was intense, and the energy emitted shocked everyone in the small theater.

It wasn’t just those who saw it with their eyes, but also those who witnessed it through the lens.

The camera was placed in front of the stage and on both sides.

The director of photography was watching the actors’ performances through the camera.

‘······Is that the quality of an audition performance?’

He was a man who had been working with Director Ahn Ga-bok’s team for over 10 years. He had worked on many projects and experienced countless actors. All of them were filmed with the camera he held. But now, the director of photography felt an electric shock throughout his body for the first time.

It was like a thrill?

The director of photography was also familiar with the ‘Leech’ scenario. No, all the key staff would be the same. That’s why they imagine and build the world of ‘Leech’ in their respective areas. In particular, the director of photography spends a great deal of time creating storyboards with Director Ahn Ga-bok.

But now, the reality of ‘Leech’ was being drawn in front of his eyes.

‘Both actors are doing this scene for the first time—especially Kang Woo-jin, he’s a real madman.’

The first moment when a part of the world of ‘Leech’ was realized. Thanks to that, it was the first time for the director of photography, Director Ahn Ga-bok, Shim Han-ho, and the rest of the key staff. But Kang Woo-jin and Jin Jae-joon were expressing that unfamiliar world without any sense of incongruity.

Of course, it was Kang Woo-jin who was holding the brush and painting the picture. At least in the eyes of the director of photography.

‘No—is it possible to suddenly show that Ripley Syndrome [a psychological disorder where someone believes a fictional world is real] without any prior emotion??’

Ripley Syndrome was the core and everything of the character Park Ha-sung, and it was built up gradually throughout the ‘Leech’ scenario. Park Ha-sung gradually changes. In other words, it wasn’t an emotion that could be shown so abruptly.

But Kang Woo-jin was as clear as if he had been living as Park Ha-sung for the past few months.

‘It’s not just that he’s good at acting… I feel like the Park Ha-sung I imagined was lacking.’

It was then.

-Swoosh.

While the actors were performing, Director Ahn Ga-bok, who was in the judging seat, approached the director of photography, having come unnoticed.

“······”

With a very stern face, he didn’t say anything to the director of photography. He just looked at the monitor attached to the camera. There was no movement behind him.

This movement made the managers, who had been mesmerized by the acting, come to their senses.

‘Moderately?! That was? I thought I heard something about doing it moderately earlier??’

‘A play. Not an audition… that’s just a play, isn’t it?’

‘Crazy, it’s not for nothing that Kang Woo-jin is called an acting monster.’

‘What kind of audition hurdle is this… are we supposed to survive in that gap??’

It was then.

“Cut.”

Director Ahn Ga-bok, who was in front of the camera, gave a signal and then spoke in an old voice.

“Let’s go from the beginning again.”

A re-action request. It wasn’t because Kang Woo-jin and Jin Jae-joon’s acting was lacking. Director Ahn Ga-bok wanted to see those actors through the camera, not with his own eyes. Soon, Woo-jin and Jin Jae-joon, who had stopped acting, moved to the beginning of the scene.

In the meantime, Director Ahn Ga-bok was.

‘······Kang Woo-jin.’

He was looking at Woo-jin, who was putting the chair he had been sitting on back in place.

‘I understand Director Kwon’s feelings.’

His gaze was sharp.

‘What director wouldn’t be thrilled when what they created is running wild in reality?’

Meanwhile, Kang Woo-jin, who had just put down the chair, was thinking about something else. It was a concern about a role other than Park Ha-sung.

‘Chairman Yoon Jung-bae—as he is, it’s a bit… should I just try combining roles?’

About an hour later. A waiting room in the small theater.

While the ‘Leech’ audition was in full swing, one of the actors waiting in the waiting room caught the eye. An unfamiliar-looking actress. Sitting on the sofa in the waiting room, her expression as she looked at the scenario was unusual.

“I will definitely. I will definitely get it.”

Her eyes were full of determination. Or perhaps, it was spirit. It was understandable. She was the only newcomer among the many top actors here.

Her name was Han So-jin.

She had long black hair and deep eyes. Her skin was clear, and her arms and legs were long and slender, making her a striking visual. The mole on the tip of her nose reminded one of her charm, and she exuded an elegant yet decadent atmosphere.

Han So-jin had debuted about three years ago.

However, she only began to catch the public’s eye two years ago. If you count it, it was faster than Kang Woo-jin, but the timing wasn’t that different.

What was more interesting was.

『[Film Festival] ‘Monster Rookie’ Kang Woo-jin Sweeps Rookie Awards at Blue Dragon, Rookie Actress Award Goes to ‘Han So-jin’』

She had received the Rookie Actress Award at this year’s Blue Dragon Film Awards. She was the next rookie after Kang Woo-jin. From a normal perspective, Han So-jin’s achievements were also great. She had won a rookie award after a short period of obscurity after her debut.

But.

『‘Kang Woo-jin’ Sets a Record of 8 Awards, No One Can Stop Him!』

Her impact was minimal. Of course, it was because she was overshadowed by Kang Woo-jin’s huge shadow. She had been praised since her debut in the entertainment industry, and her beauty and acting were at their peak, but Kang Woo-jin suddenly appeared. From then on, Han So-jin’s media exposure decreased. The public’s attention became shallow. It wasn’t that Han So-jin was lacking.

It was just that Kang Woo-jin’s power was too great.

Han So-jin was still actively working. No matter how much she was pushed back in terms of impact, the results she had achieved did not betray her. But at some point, she began to watch Woo-jin persistently. SNS [Social Networking Service], YouTube, articles, works, rumors. He was an absurd existence.

So what?

‘How great is he? If he’s in front of me, I can overcome him.’

Even though the entertainment industry is a place where you get demoted if your skills or buzz are lacking, Han So-jin had no intention of giving up easily. Rather than accepting it foolishly, she sublimated her sense of defeat into determination.

“I can do it, no, I will do it.”

That’s why she turned down projects she could have joined without an audition and came to this place. It was a struggle for her own proof rather than arrogance, jealousy, or envy. If not, there was no need for her to come to this dangerous place. It was a competitive spirit or something similar.

At that moment.

-Knock knock.

A knock echoed in the waiting room, and a staff member of the ‘Leech’ audition peeked his face in.

“Han So-jin-ssi, you can go in for the audition.”

“Ah, yes.”

She put down the scenario and slowly got up. She straightened her long hair. She took a small breath, puffing out her cheeks. She slowly moved her feet. The hallway leading to the small theater was quiet.

‘It’s a good thing that the actor is helping with the opposite role.’

The more she thought about it, the more Han So-jin’s resolve hardened. Her heart was pounding with tension, but she somehow suppressed it. The role Han So-jin was aiming for now was the youngest daughter of the ‘Leech’ family, ‘Yoon Ji-min.’ And she was the first actress to participate among the actresses who had come today.

Finally.

-Swoosh.

Han So-jin entered the small theater, where a hot air was circulating. Many people were visible. She first bowed 90 degrees to the judges in front of the seats.

“Hello! I’m Han So-jin!”

Director Ahn Ga-bok, who had a stern face, smiled slightly.

“Haha, yes. I’m watching your acting well.”

“Thank you!”

A spirited answer. Han So-jin was taken aback when she saw Director Ahn Ga-bok, as well as the great actor Shim Han-ho. They were incredibly big shots.

‘Calm down, calm down.’

Han So-jin, who had composed herself, went on stage. She saw Kang Woo-jin, who had a nonchalant face. No, he was her target. Even if it was desperate, she had to stick to him somehow. Han So-jin approached Woo-jin and greeted him.

“Hello, please take care of me.”

Kang Woo-jin replied in a low tone.

“Yes, please take care of me.”

Here, Han So-jin lowered her voice and whispered to Woo-jin. It was a way of conveying her ambition.

“And I will definitely win and surpass you, Woo-jin-ssi.”

“······”

Kang Woo-jin looked at her indifferently. Han So-jin couldn’t gauge his expression.

‘What… what is he thinking?’

She immediately understood why people said this man was unpredictable. At that point, Kang Woo-jin replied briefly without any change in expression.

“Go ahead.”

“Huh?”

“As you wish.”

“······”

To dismiss her ambition with such ease. Han So-jin bit her lower lip without showing it. Her fighting spirit rose. Then, she told everyone the scene she had chosen, and Director Ahn Ga-bok raised his hand and gave a signal.

“Hi—action.”

Han So-jin, who had suddenly ruffled her long hair with both hands, shouted at Woo-jin, who was standing in front of her.

“Ah!! Why!! I told you I didn’t want to! Why do you like that servant or leech? Am I crazy? Am I a psycho?”

Her eyes were filled with madness. On the other hand, Kang Woo-jin, with one hand in his pocket, was calm. His deep eyes were full of composure. He was already Chairman Yoon Jung-bae himself.

“Don’t get excited, I just asked. Rather, I think it’s more certain? Huh?”

Kang Woo-jin took a step closer to Han So-jin. His expression, gestures, tone, and gaze had changed. Park Ha-sung was nowhere to be seen. A low tone, with a snake-like charisma embedded within. If you closed your eyes, you could only think of Chairman Yoon Jung-bae.

Han So-jin, who was looking at him right in front of her, felt it deeply.

‘Wasn’t he playing Park Ha-sung? No, why can he make even Chairman Yoon Jung-bae so clear?’

Shim Han-ho flinched for some reason. Director Ahn Ga-bok’s eyes widened. A commotion spread throughout the small theater. In the meantime, Han So-jin spoke her next line.

“Ah, what are you talking about. No, I don’t want to! I don’t want to!! Get out! Get out of my room!! You smell like an old man! That leech bastard is just disgusting, so don’t talk nonsense and get out.”

A scream close to a cry. But Woo-jin, who was looking at her, was unmoved. Then, he tilted his head slightly. A faint smile spread across his lips. Then, once again, a step closer. Woo-jin, who had gotten a little closer to Han So-jin, put his face close to Han So-jin’s.

Their faces were so close that they could feel each other’s scent and breath.

It was at that moment.

‘······Huh?’

Kang Woo-jin, who had been Chairman Yoon Jung-bae to the point of being chilling, changed in just one second. Han So-jin felt it more clearly than anyone else.

“Daughter, my beloved daughter.”

The air surrounding him changed subtly in an instant. The emotion was completely gone from the emphasis and tone of his voice. But there was a rhythm. Above all, his mouth maintained the unique smile of Chairman Yoon Jung-bae.

“Look me straight in the eye and tell me again, is it really not?”

Kang Woo-jin’s eyes were too empty. His mouth and eyes were playing separately. As a result, Chairman Yoon Jung-bae felt like a different person. No, was he a different person?

‘It’s like… something else has been combined.’

Regardless, Kang Woo-jin, who had exhaled a long breath through his nose, asked Han So-jin. It was a dry tone, as if asking about ‘homework.’

“It seems like it’s not not, daughter. Huh?”

In that moment.

“······Ah.”

Han So-jin froze.

‘What the heck is that—’

The great actor Shim Han-ho was standing up from his seat.

End