I was Mistaken as a Monstrous Genius Actor [EN]: Chapter 251

Kang Woo-jin’s Return to Korea.

The black van carrying Woo-jin entered Samseong-dong. It was around 10 PM. The intense LA schedule had taken its toll, and many of the staff in the van, including Han Ye-jeong, were dozing off. Choi Sung-gun, in the passenger seat, was also rubbing his temples, looking tired, and the burly driver, Jang Su-hwan, yawned widely.

Only.

“······”

Kang Woo-jin, with his hat pulled low, was the only one who looked perfectly fine, gazing blankly out the window. He was putting on a bit of a tough act, but in reality, he was completely refreshed. Woo-jin subtly glanced at his team members. Unlike a few days ago when they were energetic, they now looked like complete zombies.

‘It’s understandable that they’re exhausted, but I’m fine because I have the subspace. Is Han Ye-jeong even alive?’

Just as Woo-jin was internally marveling at the awesomeness of the subspace, the van entered the parking lot of Kang Woo-jin’s officetel [a studio apartment building]. It was then that the stylists woke up one by one and greeted Woo-jin.

“Ugh- I’m dying… Ah! Oppa [an affectionate term for older brother used by females], you worked hard!”

“Get some rest!!”

“See you tomorrow!”

Woo-jin, who had given them a solemn greeting, got out of the van, followed by Choi Sung-gun, who stretched with a yawn.

“Augh!! We somehow made it back alive, Woo-jin-ah [an affectionate way of calling someone by their name]. You can come out around 2 PM tomorrow.”

“Yes, CEO.”

“I don’t think I’ll be able to join you tomorrow because of company matters. I’ve already told the others, so call me if anything happens.”

As Woo-jin calmly nodded while putting on his backpack, Choi Sung-gun, with narrowed eyes, approached Kang Woo-jin and began to rub his arm and body. Woo-jin, who had been still, asked in a low voice.

“What are you doing?”

Choi Sung-gun, with his ponytail, smirked.

“No, I was just checking. You look so fine, I thought you might be a robot.”

“I’m human, though.”

“What’s your secret? How can you be so physically fit?”

‘I rest in the subspace.’ Since he couldn’t say that, Woo-jin vaguely made an excuse.

“I guess it’s genetics.”

“Genetics… You should have at least three kids when you get married. No, four. Honestly, even five wouldn’t be enough.”

“What’s that about?”

“Your genes absolutely must be passed on. The country should be encouraging this.”

For a moment, a strange thought flashed through Kang Woo-jin’s mind. ‘Come to think of it, will the subspace also pass on to my children?’ At this point, Choi Sung-gun, having checked the time, changed the subject.

“Speaking of marriage. Woo-jin, I don’t care if you date, okay? But you absolutely have to tell me beforehand, got it?”

“Ah.”

“Your current status is so overwhelming that if a news article breaks out, it’ll be unmanageable. Okay?”

“…Understood.”

“Is there already something going on? Like a ‘some’ relationship?”

‘Some’ relationship. It was such an unusual term that Woo-jin paused for a moment. Seeing this, Choi Sung-gun’s smile deepened as he patted Kang Woo-jin’s shoulder.

“Whether it’s in Korea, Japan, or Hollywood, it doesn’t matter, just give me a heads up.”

“Japan- Hollywood?”

“Yeah, you idiot. It doesn’t matter where, since language isn’t a problem for you, right? You’ve become quite close with people like Miley Cara and top actresses in Japan, haven’t you? And of course, in Korea too.”

Come to think of it, Kang Woo-jin was now surrounded by beautiful people. Before becoming an actor, these were people he could only imagine, but now they were being mentioned as potential dating partners. Even Cara was a global star. Because of this, Woo-jin almost let out a hollow laugh.

Soon.

“Anyway, get some rest-”

Having finished what he wanted to say, Choi Sung-gun, with his ponytail, waved his hand slightly and returned to the waiting van. Woo-jin, who had been watching him for a moment, turned around and got into the elevator.

‘Dating? With those top actresses? That’s crazy.’

Woo-jin’s mood was unsettled because of the conversation with Choi Sung-gun. At this moment, the elevator stopped at the first floor, and several residents who lived in the same officetel as Woo-jin got on. A family with a young child, and a couple. For the residents of this officetel, Kang Woo-jin, as a fellow resident, was very famous.

To the point where not a single person didn’t know him.

“······Hello-”

“Y-you must have finished your schedule.”

“Mom! Kang Woo-jin! It’s Kang Woo-jin, right??!”

“Hey! Shush!”

A brief fan service. Kang Woo-jin greeting and signing autographs for the residents. Of course, it was voluntary. What’s the big deal, it doesn’t take long.

Having arrived home, Kang Woo-jin let out a long sigh.

“Hoo- It’s been a while since I’ve been home.”

He also dropped the act he had been maintaining non-stop for days. He quickly took off his hat and clothes, changed into comfortable clothes he wore at home, and yawned a long, drawn-out yawn. Then, he threw himself onto the sofa.

“This is the best- Home is the best!”

Woo-jin, who had taken off his shell for the first time in a while, scratched his stomach while lying down. Even so, he checked his phone. He scrolled through the accumulated messages. First, his parents and his younger sister, Kang Hyun-ah. Family first, and then he checked the texts and DMs. The group chat for ‘Our Table,’ separate texts from Hwa-rin, Hong Hye-yeon, Ryu Jung-min, and others. All messages from top stars.

Even.

-[Woo-jin-ssi [a polite way of addressing someone]!! Have you arrived in Korea?? I’m filming right now, but it’s boring because Kiyoshi-nim isn’t here…]

“Ah, it’s Mihuyu-nim.”

In the SNS DMs, messages from several top Japanese actresses, including the plump-lipped Uramatsu Mihuyu, had arrived. After replying for several tens of minutes, Kang Woo-jin suddenly thought.

“Isn’t my phone kind of amazing??”

The value of his phone came to mind. His phone, which was almost dead except for his close friends, was now receiving messages every day from top actors in Korea and other countries.

Even.

“Hehe, wow- I’m ignoring them.”

Kang Woo-jin was even ignoring the messages from these great people. What kind of crazy life is this? It’s a complete mess.

At that moment.

-♬♪

The doorbell rang throughout the house. It wasn’t from his phone. Someone had arrived at Woo-jin’s house. But Kang Woo-jin didn’t panic and casually got up and walked towards the front door. He already knew who had come.

-Click!

As Kang Woo-jin opened the front door, men holding heavy bags in their hands appeared. Three in total.

“Yo- Kang Star-nim [a respectful way of addressing a star].”

“It’s been a while, it’s been a really long time?”

“Were you sleeping??”

It was his close friends.

Later.

Kang Woo-jin had a drinking party with his close friends for the first time in a long time. It wasn’t something that happened suddenly, but a promise they had made months ago. The friends bought the alcohol, and Kang Woo-jin was in charge of the snacks. Of course, he used a delivery app.

“Wow- Look at the color of this jokbal [braised pig’s trotters], it’s amazing, the quality is insane.”

“Hey, hey, you crazy Lee Kyung-sung, don’t eat with your hands! You’re not an Australopithecus.”

The burly Kim Dae-young, Lee Kyung-sung who had gained more weight, the gigolo-like Na Hyung-gu, and Kang Woo-jin. The four of them, who had gathered after a long time, quickly set up the snacks and drinks on the living room table. Although it had been a while since they had met, nothing much had changed. It felt like they had met yesterday.

“Hey Kang Woo-jin, look at Lee Kyung-sung’s belly. It’s a slippery slope.”

“Shut up, you weasel Na Hyung-gu.”

“No, you need to lose weight. When you had your endoscopy, didn’t they find something in your intestines?”

The conversation started with simple updates. No, it was a bit rough. Of course, Kang Woo-jin also forgot his act for a while and showed his old self.

“Hey, someone sprinkle some snow on Kyung-sung’s belly.”

“What are you talking about, you crazy Kang Woo-jin.”

“With that slope, you could even go snowboarding.”

The burly Kim Dae-young, who was watching Woo-jin with a pleased expression, raised his soju [a Korean distilled beverage] glass.

“You guys are crazy. Let’s toast first.”

Of course, it was a shot. But the empty glasses were quickly refilled, and they toasted again. Snacks arrived one after another. Soon, the table was full of jokbal and chicken.

“Hey Kang Star, did you see it in the group chat? Na Hyung-gu got a girlfriend and became a true romantic.”

“What’s with the romantic? You’re exaggerating.”

Kang Woo-jin chuckled as he looked at Na Hyung-gu, who was frowning.

“You bought a bouquet of flowers for your girlfriend, right? That makes you a romantic.”

“······No, it’s just that I thought, should I try buying one? And it wasn’t as expensive as I thought. Ah! That’s right, Woo-jin, can I tell my girlfriend that you’re my friend?? My girlfriend is your fan, and I’m dying to tell her.”

“Really? Hmm- Hyung-gu [an affectionate term for older brother used by males], pour me a nice drink. And prepare some snacks.”

“Wow- This guy, do you think I’m going to be your slave just because you say so??”

Na Hyung-gu, who was slightly annoyed, suddenly pointed at the jokbal with both hands.

“Hyung-nim [a respectful term for older brother used by males], the jokbal is amazing today. I’ll prepare it for you.”

“Do so.”

“How about it, can I get an autograph today?”

For the first time in a while, Kang Woo-jin unleashed the drinking that had been sealed by his act. Perhaps that’s why he got drunk quickly. Or was he getting drunk on the atmosphere? Before he could decide, Kang Woo-jin and his close friends were talking non-stop.

“But Kim Dae-young, why aren’t you joining Woo-jin’s team??”

“I don’t know, the company won’t let me go, how can I go on my own? Woo-jin, you should say something. Ah, did I tell you guys? Woo-jin’s influence in our company is insane.”

“Ooh- Kang Star!”

“Kim Dae-young, you got promoted in Hong Hye-yeon’s team, right? As a schedule manager. Then just stay there.”

“Wow, Kang Woo-jin, that’s too much.”

The topic of their conversation changed quickly, but as always, it followed a similar route. From work to military stories.

“Hehe, Kang Woo-jin. You wore a military uniform in ‘Island of the Missing’ this time, right? I saw the video on YouTube.”

“Ah- Right, it felt like going to the military again.”

“That’s disgusting. Re-enlisting in the military is too much.”

“Hey, but is Ha Yu-ra prettier or Hong Hye-yeon prettier?”

“Na Hyung-gu, you haven’t come to your senses yet. I’m going to tell your girlfriend?”

“That’s nonsense! Hey, hey, Lee Kyung-sung! Honestly, aren’t you curious? Huh?”

The military stories, which had become quite heated, suddenly shifted to talk about women. Then, his close friends got excited. It was because of the texts and DMs that had arrived on Kang Woo-jin’s phone.

“Wow- Crazy!! You even text with Hwa-rin??! Kang Woo-jin, I’m so jealous!”

“Huh? Hong Hye-yeon is there too??!”

“Hey, hey! Kang Woo-jin! Is that group chat with the name of the work only for celebrities??!”

“It’s crazy. Getting DMs from Japanese actresses is just amazing, but having so many top Korean actors in your texts is like another world.”

“It suddenly reminds me of that day, when we went to see a movie and Kang Woo-jin suddenly appeared on the screen, we were so surprised.”

“I agree, I almost threw up.”

Lee Kyung-sung and Na Hyung-gu, who had moved from talking about women to memories. At this point, Kim Dae-young, who was filling his friends’ soju glasses, spoke to Kang Woo-jin, who was smiling.

“But honestly, even when you’re right in front of me, there are times when I can’t believe it.”

“Is that so? My life doesn’t feel like my own either.”

“But even though your status is insane right now, seeing that you don’t have any star disease makes me think that you’re still you.”

“Star disease?”

“Yeah. It’s something that rookies who get praised as rising stars after a successful drama often get. Like celebrity disease.”

“Ah-”

“You’ve gone beyond rising to the point where other countries are going crazy, but you haven’t changed. That’s just like you. Well, you’ve always been someone with a strong mentality and principles.”

Star disease- Woo-jin, who had clinked soju glasses with Kim Dae-young, became serious for a moment. Star? The world was going crazy over Kang Woo-jin. Looking at his current momentum, it was obvious that he was a top star, and no one could argue with that. But Kang Woo-jin himself had never thought about it.

‘What’s with this star disease thing.’

It wasn’t because he was humble or timid. Rather, Woo-jin was enjoying the current situation. The insane attention from people he had never experienced, his constantly improving acting, the ever-changing and bizarre environment around him, and so on.

But he had never engraved the word ‘star’ in his mind.

It might be because he was fighting a war every day with his act. Every moment was a continuous tension and fierce. And the real core of Kang Woo-jin’s humanity was included in that.

‘What does it matter if I’m a star or not? I just need to keep doing what I’m doing well.’

Well, it’s true that he’s doing well, but he doesn’t intend to show off. Kang Woo-jin was like that even when he first got the subspace. He had a no-turning-back attitude, but he only really exploded when someone provoked him.

‘I don’t know, is it my business?’

Kang Woo-jin chuckled. It was a smile that he couldn’t often show because of his usual intense act, but it didn’t feel awkward.

“Hey, Kim Dae-young. Shut up and give me some alcohol.”

His life had changed into something absurd, but Kang Woo-jin remained the same.

“It tastes so good after not drinking for a while.”

He would continue to be like that in the future.

The next day, the 5th. A hotel in Seoul.

It was the hall of a top-class hotel. It was a place where events were usually held, but today, about a hundred reporters had gathered. All the reporters were busy taking pictures of the front or typing on the laptops placed in front of them while sitting at the tables covered with white cloths.

“Wow- There are so many people gathered. Is this a production presentation or a press conference?”

“It’s similar, it’s director Kwon Ki-taek’s ‘Island of the Missing’ production presentation-”

“But this kind of size is rare, isn’t it?”

“Director Kwon Ki-taek alone has a lot of power, but there are also many top actors, so that’s why. And Kang Woo-jin is coming too, right? Looking at everyone’s drooling faces, they’ve come prepared. Kim Reporter, you too, right?”

“Well, that’s right. Considering how many issues he causes, it’s hard to see Kang Woo-jin at official events. Ah, damn, what if he doesn’t come today?”

“I asked the staff in charge, and they said he’s 100% coming.”

While dozens of reporters were whispering, the staff gathered at the front of the hall were finishing the setup. A long table placed on the stage, hand microphones and water bottles placed on it, and a large poster hanging behind it. Of course, it was one of the official posters of the movie for today’s production presentation.

Soldiers in military uniforms standing in front of a large cave. No, they were actors. Kang Woo-jin, with an awkward smile, stood out.

In front of them, a white title with rough text was engraved.

-‘Island of the Missing’

A big event that usually takes place two or three months before a movie’s release.

At this time.

-Swish.

The front door of the hall opened, and director Kwon Ki-taek, with his gray hair, appeared. Hundreds of reporters, who recognized him, started clicking their shutters like crazy. Soon, a huge lightning storm began to strike the front stage.

Behind director Kwon Ki-taek was the turn of the main actors of ‘Island of the Missing.’ That is, the entrance of the top actors. And.

“Oh! Kang Woo-jin is here!!”

Kang Woo-jin was the first.

End