I was Mistaken as a Monstrous Genius Actor [EN]: Chapter 246

Asami Saya quickly changed her tune. In truth, she felt a bit like she was under a spell. She hadn’t expected ‘A10 Studio’ to suddenly drop Kang Woo-jin’s name like that.

‘Wait, why is Kang Woo-jin doing voice acting for an animation?’

Only after replying did Saya realize something was off, and she tilted her head. Then, she asked the female team leader from ‘A10 Studio’ standing in front of her,

“But, are you certain that Kang Woo-jin will be the voice actor for the male lead?”

The female team leader from the production department smiled.

“Yes, that’s right, Saya-nim. Thankfully, Kang Woo-jin has agreed to do the voice acting.”

“Why… why would he do animation voice acting?”

“Saya-nim. First, can we confirm that you will be joining our team? We can only explain after receiving your confirmation.”

Saya nodded firmly.

“Of course, if it’s a project that Kang Woo-jin is involved in, I’ll go all out to help. I’ll accept any role.”

The female team leader was slightly surprised by her enthusiastic reaction. Even among all Japanese voice actors, she was a top-tier talent, yet she was responding so passionately.

‘Well, considering she shared such a dramatic story with Kang Woo-jin, I guess it’s understandable?’

The female team leader then put on a business smile.

“Thank you, Saya-nim. It’s an honor. Um—the project I’m preparing this time is based on an existing work. We’re adapting Netflix’s ‘Boyfriend’ and the title will be ‘Boyfriend: Remake’.”

“…Ah.”

It was then that Saya understood why Kang Woo-jin was cast as the male lead voice actor.

“If it’s Netflix’s ‘Boyfriend’-”

“Yes. Kang Woo-jin also played the male lead in the original, which was a hit throughout Japan.”

“Of course, I know. My daughter is also a huge fan of Kang Woo-jin, and she loves ‘Boyfriend’ too.”

“We are aware of your story, Saya-nim. As a fan, I was deeply moved. It’s not easy for something like that to happen in real life.”

The female team leader, after muttering, changed the subject.

“To be honest, Saya-nim was already on our voice actor casting list. However, after checking your schedule, it seemed unlikely.”

“…”

“Then, the dramatic story of Kang Woo-jin and Saya-nim was revealed. Thanks to that, we asked Saya-nim despite it being difficult. Saya-nim’s skills are a given, but the story of the two of you that moved all of Japan. If the public knows that you two are working together on a project, we believe it will create huge synergy.”

Saya was also a veteran in the voice acting world. Even with a brief explanation, she could immediately imagine it. It wasn’t an event that was calculated. It was purely coincidental. But this coincidence would probably excite the entire Japanese public.

Furthermore.

‘It’s a chance to repay Kang Woo-jin’s gratitude, and this project will be like a huge gift for Yusako as a mother. I don’t know the casting process for Woo-jin-nim, but this kind of thing will never happen again.’

Any project that is produced remains forever. Saya’s daughter, Yusako, also dreams of becoming a voice actor, and this was also a performance to support that dream. A project where Kang Woo-jin and her mother’s voices appear together.

For Asami Yusako, it would be something worth keeping for a lifetime.

Of course, Saya.

‘I have to be more dedicated than any other project.’

She was determined to put her voice acting career on the line for ‘Boyfriend: Remake’.

“Excuse me, but could I receive the script today?”

For her daughter, and for Kang Woo-jin.

Soon, the female team leader smiled and nodded.

“Of course, Saya-nim.”

After talking with Saya for a few more minutes, the female team leader left the recording booth and gave instructions to the production staff following her.

“Let’s proceed with Saya-nim’s contract as quickly as possible. And tell the marketing team to announce ‘Boyfriend: Remake’ within this week. The announcement must include Kang Woo-jin’s casting, his OST [Original Soundtrack], and his direct participation in the piano performance.”

The animation adaptation of ‘Boyfriend’ alone would be a hot topic, but combining the keywords she just mentioned would be like dropping a nuclear bomb several times more powerful.

“Above all, make sure to include the connection between Saya-nim and Woo-jin-ssi, and Saya-nim’s joining.”

Meanwhile, in Korea.

Amidst various teasers like ‘Leech’, ‘Our Table’, and ‘Beneficial Evil’, the first video was uploaded to the official YouTube channel and other video platforms of ‘Island of the Missing’.

-!Urgent! Special Character Introduction Video!! (+Actor Interviews, Making) | Island of the Missing

In a way, it was like the first teaser video of ‘Island of the Missing’, which had entered the editing phase. It was a character introduction video for ‘Island of the Missing’. The content included the release of simple still cuts and short appearances of each character, along with interviews with the actors playing those characters.

“Hello, I’m Ryu Jung-min, playing the role of Lieutenant Choi Yu-tae in ‘Island of the Missing’.”

While the actors’ interviews were playing, actual making-of footage from ‘Island of the Missing’ was shown. Various videos that captured the atmosphere of the filming set, such as the actors filming, simple jokes, and the actors’ chemistry.

“I’m Kang Woo-jin, playing the role of Sergeant Jin Sun-cheol.”

Since the background was a huge set and everyone was wearing military uniforms or holding guns, the making-of style video, which was about 10 minutes long, was quite eye-catching.

Anyway, this video, within just two hours of its release.

-Views: 508,332

Easily surpassed 500,000 views. It was a natural phenomenon. The power of ‘Island of the Missing’ itself, which included the legendary director Kwon Ki-taek and various top actors, combined with Kang Woo-jin’s search volume, which had recently reignited the momentum of the issue bomb.

-Wow, Kang Woo-jin’s character is so unique? Is he a psycho? Split personality?

-Did anyone see the monster in the video?? What is this movie? I’m so curious.

-Ryu Jung-min is so cool.

-I’m going to see it as soon as it’s released… so please release it soon.

-Ha Yu-ra came back after a while, and she’s still so beautiful lololol. She seems to have chosen a good comeback project.

-Since it’s directed by Kwon Ki-taek, one of the top directors, the quality won’t be a problem… Looking at the filming size, it’s definitely the most anticipated movie of the year.

-Kang Woo-jin’s military uniform fit is insane!!!

-So when is it being released?

-If this movie flops, a lot of people will suffer lololololol.

-Wow… Kang Woo-jin’s vibe is completely different for each role he takes on…? His acting spectrum is amazing.

·

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While the anticipation for ‘Island of the Missing’ was overflowing, in the office-cum-apartment of ‘Our Table’, which was not much different from a variety show production office, Choi Sung-gun with his ponytail was seen. However, he was alone without Kang Woo-jin. Kang Woo-jin was currently busy with his schedule. Anyway, Choi Sung-gun was having a very important meeting with PD [Production Director] Yoon Byung-sun and the writers.

Of course, before starting the main discussion, PD Yoon Byung-sun asked a few questions he was curious about.

“CEO Choi, what happened with the ‘Gimjaban Buckwheat Noodles’? Did you talk to Nongshim about it?”

Choi Sung-gun, wearing a black shirt and a gray knit, showed a business smile.

“Yes, I did. The atmosphere is good.”

“Oh, really? Then can we really expect the ‘Gimjaban Buckwheat Noodles’ to be commercialized?”

“The possibility is high.”

In fact, the deal with Nongshim was still confidential. The final contract negotiation was left. But it was only a matter of time anyway. It was almost certain, and since ‘Our Table’ was the origin of the Gimjaban Buckwheat Noodles, Choi Sung-gun was subtly hinting to PD Yoon Byung-sun.

“If it’s fast, you might be able to see it in large supermarkets or convenience stores soon. But as you know, it’s a secret for now.”

“Of course! Anyway, that’s a relief. It’s also kind of amazing. It’s really hard to predict Woo-jin-ssi’s moves.”

“Even I, who’s always by his side, don’t know, haha.”

“When the official announcement is made, we should promote the Gimjaban Buckwheat Noodles properly on ‘Our Table’.”

“Oh my, are you really going to do that?”

“Of course, we have to. Whether it’s before or after the product comes out, we’ll try to squeeze it in somehow during the broadcast of ‘Our Table’.”

While the two were talking about the commercialization of ‘Gimjaban Buckwheat Noodles’, PD Yoon Byung-sun, who received a tablet from a writer, quickly changed the subject.

“We should start scheduling the second filming for ‘Our Table’ soon-”

PD Yoon Byung-sun continued with an explanation.

To summarize, the second filming would be shorter than the first, which was about a week, and would be 4-5 days. It was difficult to match the schedules of the cast, including Kang Woo-jin, and it was also a decision based on the local situation in LA. There were many other reasons as well.

In such cases, the number of episodes would usually be reduced, but ‘Our Table’ had already exceeded 20% viewership.

Therefore, PD Yoon Byung-sun said that the filming of the final episode would be done in Korea to create a good picture somehow.

“Woo-jin-ssi, March 1st is okay for you, right?”

“Yes. Even if it’s difficult, I’ll try to make it work for about 4 days.”

“Thank you, then we can confirm it for the 1st. How about saving a week with a special episode of ‘Our Table’ next week?”

Thus, Kang Woo-jin’s first schedule in March was confirmed for the second filming of ‘Our Table’.

At this time, Kang Woo-jin was.

“Sunbae-nim [Senior], the filming for ‘Island of the Missing’ has recently ended. How have you been?”

“I’m resting a bit. Watching Woo-jin-ssi’s success.”

He was filming with Ryu Jung-min in a kitchen-like studio where cooking was possible. Of course, it was for the cooking content of YouTube’s ‘Kang Woo-jin’s Sub-Character’. Currently, they were filming the ‘What do you want to eat?’ content, and after this filming, they were scheduled to move on to the ‘Avatar Cooking’ content.

Kang Woo-jin in a baggy knit, Ryu Jung-min in a simple hoodie.

“Were there any difficulties during the filming of ‘Island of the Missing’?”

“There were. The overseas filming in Da Nang, Vietnam, was hell. Woo-jin-ssi was fine though.”

“No, I also had a hard time.”

“You had a hard time, but it wasn’t hell, right? Your face was no different from now?”

Why is this handsome man like this? As such, the two were already quite close, so the filming itself went smoothly, and Kang Woo-jin, having had filming experience with Hwa-rin and global superstar Kara, wasn’t nervous.

Thanks to that.

“That’s it! I think we got a good take! Thank you both for your hard work!!”

The filming ended in the late afternoon. It was a few hours earlier than scheduled. Therefore, Woo-jin, Ryu Jung-min, and the entire staff had dinner together. A beef restaurant near the studio. There, Ryu Jung-min, sitting across from Woo-jin, picked up his water glass and suddenly muttered quietly.

“bw Entertainment seems a bit chaotic these days.”

“It seems so.”

“…Could you possibly pass on a short message to CEO Choi? I couldn’t find his number.”

“What is it?”

“I’d like to meet him regarding a transfer.”

On the outside, Woo-jin was calm, but on the inside, he was shocked. Suddenly? But after hearing Ryu Jung-min’s explanation, he roughly understood. Ryu Jung-min’s contract period was coming to an end, and his current agency was about to split in half, or something like that.

Well, ignoring the complicated relationships, Kang Woo-jin replied in a low voice.

“Okay, I’ll tell the CEO tomorrow.”

Then, early the next morning.

Choi Sung-gun, after hearing about Ryu Jung-min from Kang Woo-jin, widened his eyes and moved quickly.

“Okay, I’ll contact Ryu Jung-min-ssi right away.”

It wasn’t just anyone, but an actor of Ryu Jung-min’s caliber was about to enter the FA [Free Agent] market, and that Ryu Jung-min was interested in bw Entertainment. For Choi Sung-gun, there was no reason to delay.

Anyway, Choi Sung-gun, who quickly took out his phone, told Woo-jin a new piece of news.

“Ah, and. ‘A10 Studio’ contacted us. They said that the voice actress, Asami Saya, from ‘Boyfriend: Remake’ has joined.”

Oh? Really?

“Is that so?”

“Yeah. But if I were the production company, I would have recruited her no matter what. Japan is in chaos because of you two right now. Probably. No, 100% when ‘Boyfriend: Remake’ is first opened and promoted, they’ll use your story with her.”

Choi Sung-gun, who was speaking as if predicting the future, continued.

“Honestly, the original ‘Boyfriend’ was also incredibly successful in Japan. And with you alone, it’s a bomb, but if you add Asami Saya’s story at this timing when it’s first announced… you know what I mean? Japanese people will search for ‘Boyfriend: Remake’ like crazy.”

Choi Sung-gun, who was muttering while holding his phone to his ear, turned his gaze to Woo-jin as if the other party had answered the phone.

“Ah- Ryu Jung-min-ssi?”

On the 12th, near Shinjuku Station in Japan.

The time was around noon. The place was Kabukicho, where dazzling signs were hung on every building. It was quiet now during the day, but at night, this place was famous as a bustling and flashy entertainment district. There were numerous shops, including restaurants, clubs, karaoke bars, host bars, and arcades.

Naturally, there were many people bustling around.

However, it was less crowded during the day than at night. But right now, there were at least 200 people gathered in an alleyway in Kabukicho. It was the back alley of a slightly shabby-looking karaoke bar. Various cameras, lights, reflectors, audio equipment, boom mics, and monitors were also visible.

About 70 people surrounded the equipment.

And about a hundred onlookers surrounded those 70 people. Guards were trying to control the onlookers. It was because they had started filming ‘Night Geisha’ in this Kabukicho. Therefore, the hundred or so onlookers were busy taking pictures of the actors inside the filming zone.

“This is ‘Night Geisha’! Oh! There! Mana Kosaku!”

“Isn’t that Mihuyu next to Kosaku? She’s so pretty!!”

“I’m so lucky! I get to see the filming of ‘Night Geisha’!!”

“Wow, it’s my first time seeing filming.”

“But if it’s ‘Night Geisha’, where’s Kang Woo-jin? Where is Kang Woo-jin??”

The hundred or so onlookers began to look for the Korean actor who was currently shaking Japan. The murmuring spread quickly.

“Isn’t Kang Woo-jin here? Ah- I don’t like it! Will he come if we wait??”

It was then.

-Swoosh.

The door of the closed karaoke bar opened, and director Kyotaro and a few staff members came out. And at the very end.

“Ah!! It’s Kang Woo-jin!! Kang Woo-jin!”

Kang Woo-jin appeared with messy hair and casual clothes. As soon as he appeared, the hundred or so onlookers began to surge violently. The burly guards were having a hard time.

“P-Please calm down a little!!”

“Don’t push!!”

Regardless, the onlookers’ shouts pierced the sky.

“@*&(*@&%(*%&(*(%@!!!”

“$*@($*@Kang Woo-jin!!@U$@$”

“**%(#%)(#*%)(#%!!”

The shouts of a hundred people were mixed, making it hard to understand what they were saying. In response, director Kyotaro, with his short hair full of gray, scratched his chin and said to Woo-jin.

“Hmm- it seems we should start with the karaoke interior scene until they calm down.”

Kang Woo-jin apologized in a low voice.

“I’m sorry.”

“No, it’s not Woo-jin-ssi’s fault. Japan is just too heated up with Woo-jin-ssi right now. Isn’t it a good thing?”

At that moment.

“Woo-jin-ssi!”

A female actress suddenly approached. No, Uramatsu Mihuyu with her plump lips stuck to Woo-jin. She was wearing a top that revealed her belly button under her clothes, and a coat over it to cover her outfit.

While looking down at her phone, she asked Kang Woo-jin in Japanese.

“Woo-jin-ssi, are you doing animation voice acting??”

With the question, Mihuyu showed her phone screen. On her phone screen, an SNS account was displayed. It was the official Instagram account of ‘A10 Studio’, one of the three SNS accounts they had, and it showed the official announcement of ‘A10 Studio’ uploaded as a post.

In the content, ‘Boyfriend: Remake’ was mentioned.

And.

-Comments: 34,439

The comments had already surpassed 30,000. But this was just the beginning.