I was Mistaken as a Monstrous Genius Actor [EN]: Chapter 241

Kang Woo-jin had established the acting standards for all roles in ‘Leech.’ And he did it at this audition, where the core actors of ‘Leech’ and several top actors had gathered. If you think about it, there were many big names, but in their eyes, in everyone’s minds, the rookie actor Kang Woo-jin had planted his flag as if to show off.

That this performance would be the standard for ‘Leech.’

A solid gatekeeper.

It wasn’t even a bluff. Woo-jin had pierced everyone’s core with just the partner role. He brought silence to the participating top actors. Director Ahn Ga-bok, watching Kang Woo-jin, who was at the very end, made that judgment.

Of course, it was a keen misjudgment.

However.

‘Heh, that well-founded audacity is amazing.’

Whatever the situation, it was also the moment when a new path was being forged for the voyage of ‘Leech.’

‘I can do this much on my own.’

If the great actors were to awaken because of this, the quality of ‘Leech’ would jump several times over.

‘So, that means you should analyze it to the bone and work even harder.’

At this moment, everyone on the judging panel sitting in the same row as Woo-jin, except for the veteran actor Shim Han-ho, including Director Ahn Ga-bok, was looking at Kang Woo-jin. For some reason, it seemed as if these words were engraved above his head.

‘I am the average.’

That’s how indifferent Kang Woo-jin’s face was after returning to his seat. Even though he had dropped a nuclear bomb in this small theater, he didn’t think much of it. He was just silently looking down at the script.

“······”

In response, the film company’s representative and the casting director exchanged glances, looking at each other.

‘He performed so many roles, yet he’s not shaken at all?’

‘He went through so many emotions, but it’s absurd how he returns like a ghost.’

In any case, the silence throughout the small theater was not broken for some reason. Dozens of seconds had passed since Woo-jin had returned to his seat, but no one opened their mouths.

“······”

“······”

One thing they had in common was that they were all looking at Kang Woo-jin. What is it? What is it? Of course, Woo-jin was also feeling the piercing gazes. That’s why he was pretending to look down at the script, stalling for time. At the same time, Kang Woo-jin was carefully reviewing the auditions where he had played the partner role.

‘Was there anything wrong? There wasn’t.’

It was definitely not bad. From the start, there was no way the power of the subspace could be wrong. To prepare for any possible noise, he hadn’t given his all in the acting of Park Ha-sung and the other roles he would be playing. Especially for the other roles, he had taken out almost 30% or more of his power.

‘Is it a bit strange that I played other roles?’

But even that wasn’t 100%. He had definitely kept his boundaries. Still, it was a solemn audition, so he didn’t do it carelessly. It was a place full of veteran and top actors, so if he went too weak, it would be unnecessary.

‘Everyone can do this much.’

However, no one in the small theater knew Woo-jin’s inner thoughts. So, they thought that what Woo-jin had shown was his maximum. Even though he had reserves of power, he had far exceeded the common sense of everyone.

The conclusions of Kang Woo-jin and the others clash with each other due to misunderstandings.

But there’s no problem. Woo-jin doesn’t need to correct it.

It was a situation riddled with errors, but looking at it from a distance, it wasn’t bad. The power reserves that Kang Woo-jin had lightly considered would have a greater impact when revealed later. Of course, Kang Woo-jin wasn’t calculating it. It was a truly pure mindset.

That’s when it happened.

-Swish.

A change occurred in the quiet small theater. Director Ahn Ga-bok had stood up. He approached Kang Woo-jin at the end. Then, he whispered to Woo-jin.

“While firmly establishing your authority as a ‘judge’ to everyone, you also set the standard for ‘Leech’ on the side.”

Shim Han-ho’s eyes widened slightly. The film company’s representative and the casting director were even more surprised. The staff members, who had been silent, began to murmur. The managers were visibly shocked.

The once-subdued atmosphere of the small theater quickly became bustling.

Conversely, Kang Woo-jin was cynical itself.

“······”

Of course, only his face.

‘Standard? What standard? Standard! Like when you say that? Why is that coming out here.’

Woo-jin’s expression, as he looked up at Director Ahn Ga-bok without a word, didn’t change, but inside, he felt that something had gone wrong. No, to be precise, he felt a familiar yet fragrant scent of misunderstanding.

‘Authority as a judge? Standard for Leech? What is this old man talking about?? I just played the partner role.’

It was even an action that included a bit of trying to get some easy benefits. But the clever Director Ahn Ga-bok presented something unexpectedly profound.

“Yes, everyone here is a veteran in acting theory, so they must have understood well. Your true intentions.”

What is this? The sweet smell of misunderstanding is pervasive. Looking closely, the people around him are also acknowledging it, not saying anything. Woo-jin realized that this had already spread. However, Kang Woo-jin, who had been burdened with countless misunderstandings and misinterpretations, was not flustered.

The more it is like this, the more important it is to act composed and nonchalant.

Kang Woo-jin, who had cleared his throat slightly, took action that was appropriate for the current situation. What would it be? He lowered his voice as much as possible.

“I just did what I could do.”

Director Ahn Ga-bok smiled with wrinkles. The actors and managers were visibly murmuring. There were many different words, but they all boiled down to one thing.

“Huh—now I understand why Director Ahn Ga-bok grabbed Kang Woo-jin as the sole lead first… it makes sense.”

At this point, the veteran actor Shim Han-ho, whose face had hardened, asked Kang Woo-jin, who was sitting next to him. His tone was unusual.

“Woo-jin, how much time did you spend on interpreting Chairman Yoon Jung-bae?”

It was difficult. He hadn’t spent any time at all, but Woo-jin chose his words. He tried to maintain a balance of being assertive while still being polite.

“I just did it in my spare time.”

“······In your spare time. While also covering Park Ha-sung and the other roles?”

“Just enough to not be lacking as an audition partner.”

At this, something flashed through Shim Han-ho’s mind. No, he realized it.

‘He’s not deeply immersed. What I saw today isn’t everything.’

At that moment, a soft female voice was heard from behind.

“Hello.”

Accordingly, everyone’s gaze, including Kang Woo-jin’s, shifted. A woman wearing a hat was walking over. It was Oh Hee-ryung, the actress confirmed for the role of ‘Yoo Hyun-ji.’ The managers’ eyes widened slightly, as if they hadn’t known she was coming, and Director Ahn Ga-bok gave her a small greeting.

“You’ve arrived, Hee-ryung.”

Oh Hee-ryung, who had come closer, smiled brightly.

“Yes, Director. I was able to make the time.”

After greeting Shim Han-ho, Oh Hee-ryung made eye contact with Kang Woo-jin at the end. She tilted her head slightly. Her smile deepened.

“Nice to meet you, Woo-jin. It’s amazing—it’s like seeing a celebrity.”

No, it’s the opposite? To Kang Woo-jin, who had the real substance, Oh Hee-ryung was the real celebrity. She must be in her 50s, but her beauty was at the level of a 30-year-old. What a crazy youthful look? And what’s more, a bewitching charm flowed from her. Her upright posture and way of speaking were sophisticated.

‘Oh—man, I can’t believe I’m seeing this person today.’

Woo-jin, who was overflowing with wonder but hid everything, stood up from his seat and greeted her.

“Nice to meet you, I’m Kang Woo-jin.”

Good job. He maintained his solemnity without his voice trembling. Soon, Oh Hee-ryung, who had taken a step closer to Woo-jin, extended her hand.

“I know, who in Korea doesn’t know Woo-jin these days?”

“Thank you.”

“I saw you acting, and I thought I would have to be very nervous too. Honestly, I was surprised. A lot. It felt like, ‘That’s Kang Woo-jin’?”

“······”

“The standard. I fully understood it.”

Kang Woo-jin, Oh Hee-ryung, and Shim Han-ho. The core actors of ‘Leech.’ But the weight of their experience was at an unapproachable level. Compared to the two veteran actors with nearly 30 years of experience, Kang Woo-jin was very light.

Choi Sung-gun, who had stopped standing, was deeply moved by the sight.

‘Just one year to stand alongside them. And he even dominated from his entrance scene. That monster of a kid.’

At that moment.

“Hmm—”

Director Ahn Ga-bok, the veteran, who felt that the atmosphere had been somewhat settled, spoke to the entire small theater. He was making something like a declaration to the staff, actors, and managers.

“As announced in advance, everything from today’s audition is prohibited from being disclosed to the outside.”

It meant to keep silent about what they had seen, heard, and felt. Well, it couldn’t be hidden forever, but it would be quiet for a while. Then, the managers, who had answered appropriately, began to leave the small theater one by one. They had to take care of their respective actors.

At the same time.

“Director.”

Shim Han-ho, who had tidied his tied gray long hair, spoke politely to Director Ahn Ga-bok.

“I think I’ll head in first as well.”

Director Ahn Ga-bok, with a smile, nodded his head.

“Okay, you’ve worked hard.”

Shim Han-ho, who had bowed his head slightly, glanced at Woo-jin for a moment before leaving the small theater. Next was Choi Sung-gun, who was awkwardly attached.

“I… Director. I’m sorry, but our Woo-jin also has a next schedule.”

Director Ahn Ga-bok gestured as if to tell him to go quickly.

“Oh, okay. Woo-jin, you’ve worked hard too. And thank you.”

Woo-jin bowed his head. Then, Kang Woo-jin also left the small theater with Choi Sung-gun. Oh Hee-ryung, who was watching Woo-jin’s back, asked Director Ahn Ga-bok casually.

“Is actor Shim okay?”

Director Ahn Ga-bok, who was slowly sitting in his seat, nodded his head.

“Isn’t that Shim Han-ho? He’s not someone we need to worry about. Let’s wait and see what he comes up with.”

The film company’s representative, who was sitting on his right, scratched his head, looking slightly perplexed.

“By the way, Woo-jin’s impact was so big that the audition evaluation went a bit… strangely.”

On the other hand, Director Ahn Ga-bok’s smile deepened.

“No, rather, I saw it more clearly.”

About 10 minutes later, in a waiting room.

The ‘Leech’ audition was over, but there were still some people in one of the actors’ waiting rooms. The woman sitting on the sofa was Han So-jin, who had been full of venom.

“······”

She was blankly looking down at the script placed on the table. She had always had a slightly decadent atmosphere, but it was becoming even more pervasive. It was hard to tell what she was thinking.

‘I’ve never seen anything like that before. How were the other actors?’

Of course, Han So-jin’s mind was full of Kang Woo-jin.

‘Chairman Yoon Jung-bae is actor Shim Han-ho’s role, right? And he did that so casually in front of him….’

But she couldn’t make a judgment. What kind of person Kang Woo-jin was. She just kept thinking of one thing. A human being crazy about acting. At this time, a man who seemed to be the team’s manager cautiously asked Han So-jin.

“······So-jin. How was it?”

Han So-jin, who let out a small breath and swept back her long hair, replied.

“Ha—you saw it all, manager.”

“I did. Kang Woo-jin going wild. But you experienced it right in front of you.”

“I just… I just understand. Why people in the industry call Kang Woo-jin a monster.”

“Was it a bit… tough?”

“Honestly, it was the first time I froze because of the other actor’s performance.”

“······Are you okay?”

A smile spread across Han So-jin’s lips as she suddenly stood up. This time, her venom had increased her fighting power.

“If something absurd is going to be that good, I want to struggle and win.”

On the other hand, the other actors who had experienced Kang Woo-jin today were groaning.

“No!! Wasn’t he just supposed to be playing the partner role??”

In fact, more than half of the actors who participated in the ‘Leech’ audition today couldn’t show their true skills. They were overwhelmed by Kang Woo-jin’s power.

“I was so flustered that I messed up my lines in the middle… ha—no, it’s because Kang Woo-jin suddenly started acting as Yoon Ja-ho!”

Except for Han So-jin, they were mostly top-tier and A-tier actors.

“Isn’t Kang Woo-jin really crazy??!”

Even so, they couldn’t cope calmly. So what could they do? The actors had to blame themselves. There were also actors who had come to their senses even while Kang Woo-jin was doing crazy things. For example, Jin Jae-joon, Hong Hye-yeon, and Hwa-rin were like that.

Jin Jae-joon was in ‘Drug Dealer.’

“Wow—Woo-jin, he really… it seems like he’s grown again.”

“That’s not the problem, are you satisfied?? With your acting today?”

“I don’t know, honestly, I don’t even remember it well. I think I managed to maintain the character somehow.”

Hong Hye-yeon had also seen Kang Woo-jin.

“It was different from ‘Island of the Missing.’ No, more than that, how is it even possible to play other roles? Even in the middle of that busy schedule??”

Hwa-rin was the same. But Hwa-rin’s condition was a bit strange.

“Hey, hey, Hwa-rin. Hwa-rin??”

“······Uh—uh? Uh. Why.”

“Why are you spacing out like that?”

“No. No, it’s nothing.”

She kept staring into the air. To be clear, she was recalling the face of her ultimate bias.

‘All I saw was ‘male friend’ Han In-ho. If Woo-jin-nim plays other roles, that’s the kind of energy he gives off….’

Having seen the explosive power of her idol in front of her, Hwa-rin seemed somewhat satisfied.

‘Ha, my heart almost exploded when he grabbed my shoulder in the middle.’

Meanwhile, in Kang Woo-jin’s van.

Woo-jin’s van, which had already left the parking lot of the small theater building, was driving on the road. The time had already passed well into the afternoon. But Kang Woo-jin’s schedule was still left. At this point, Woo-jin was looking out the window with a stiff face.

A cynical atmosphere.

Of course, his inner thoughts were saying something completely different.

‘It’s over somehow. If it’s this much, it ended smoothly, right?’

Kang Woo-jin was lightly ignoring the misunderstandings and misinterpretations that had invaded. There was nothing that would be a big problem. That’s when it happened.

“Oppa.”

Han Ye-jung, who had changed to a black bob, called out to Woo-jin.

“Take a look at this. Japanese SNS is exploding with talk about you right now. And do you know this person? If you search for your name on Twitter, this post comes up a lot.”

Han Ye-jung handed her phone to Kang Woo-jin. The main page of a Japanese SNS was displayed on her phone, filled with Japanese. It seemed that Han Ye-jung had handed it over because he probably couldn’t translate it all. Then, Woo-jin checked the SNS posts that came up in the search results.

One post was being shared explosively.

Soon, Kang Woo-jin followed the source of the shared post. As a result.

[_dadaco8]

[Hello, this is Asami Saya. Today, I’m going to talk about something unrelated to my work…]

He had reached the Instagram of a famous Japanese voice actress named ‘Asami Saya.’ It was a long post that she seemed to have uploaded herself. As Kang Woo-jin read it, he realized.

‘Ah.’

The girl in the wheelchair and her mother. This post was from that mother. It was a post that revealed the whole story, and Woo-jin, who felt a bit embarrassed, muttered to himself.

‘This person was a famous voice actress—so that’s why that kid said she wanted to be a voice actress?’

Woo-jin, who nodded slowly, checked the end of the post. He almost said ‘Wow’ without realizing it. It was because of the enormous number of comments and likes. Even the shares were being distributed like crazy.

Han Ye-jung chimed in at the right time.

“What’s it about? Anyway, it’s going viral.”

At this moment.

-♬♪

Someone’s phone rang. It was Choi Sung-gun’s, who was in the passenger seat.

-Swish.

He checked the phone screen and muttered.

“Woo-jin, it’s Song PD calling?”