I was Mistaken as a Monstrous Genius Actor [EN]: Chapter 253

“Korea… you said?”

The usually composed Joseph frowned, his brow furrowing at Cara’s unexpected statement over the phone.

“Cara, what are you talking about? You’re in Korea? Wasn’t your promotional visit to Korea a long time ago?”

Across from him, Robert, with his shaved head, and the other foreign team members exchanged puzzled glances at Joseph’s reaction. It was indeed strange; not only was Cara’s call out of the blue, but the fact that she was currently in Korea was even more baffling.

Meanwhile, Cara’s distinct, cool voice remained unchanged on the other end of the line.

“That was a while ago. The movie promotions are over. I’ve started working on my album now.”

“Then what is this? Are you joking?”

“Do I sound like I have nothing better to do? Why would I call you, Joseph, just to joke around?”

Her tone was serious. Joseph’s doubtful expression shifted to one of concern.

“Wait—are you really in Korea right now?”

“Yes.”

“When did you arrive?”

“Two hours ago.”

“…It’s been too quiet. I haven’t heard any news, and I haven’t seen any articles.”

“Of course. I moved secretly and entered the country like a ghost. Probably no one knows except for my team. Because of the secrecy, I’m staying in a rented house, not a hotel. Joseph, please pretend you don’t know.”

Miley Cara had entered Korea in secret? Why? Curiosity piqued, Joseph rose from the sofa, his large frame drawing attention. He spoke into the phone again.

“What’s the reason for coming to Korea while working on your album? Is it because of K-pop?”

“No. Joseph, you’re at a hotel right now, right?”

“That’s right.”

“I heard you’re going to the first filming location of the movie ‘Leech’ on the 8th, two days from now.”

Joseph, who had been looking out the window with one hand in his pocket, narrowed his brow again.

“How did you… know that? What is this, Cara? Are you investigating me?”

Cara chuckled softly on the other end of the phone.

“Of course not. It was purely coincidental. I made an inquiry to the ‘Leech’ team, and they mistook us for your team. That’s how I found out. Why are you going to the ‘Leech’ set?”

“I’m a producer, so that’s what I do. It’s more strange that you’re interested in that movie, Cara.”

“To be precise, it’s not because of ‘Leech.’ It’s because of an actor in that movie.”

In that instant, a thought sparked in Joseph’s mind.

“…Could it be. Kang Woo-jin?”

“You know his name. So, you’re also going to the set to see that actor? Maybe—the articles about Kang Woo-jin’s Hollywood screen test that came out before were also related to you.”

“Well, there are many good actors on the ‘Leech’ set, so it’s hard to say I’m only going to see Kang Woo-jin, a Korean actor. It’s hard to be certain.”

“Either way, it doesn’t matter much. More importantly, Joseph, let’s go together on the 8th at the filming location.”

“Are you really going?”

“If not, there’s no reason for me to come to Korea. Of course, it’s not just because of that movie that I came to Korea. Anyway, how about it, going together? It doesn’t seem like we’d stand out too much if we’re mixed in.”

Joseph let out a dry laugh. At the same time, he was calculating. Miley Cara’s presence was too significant to ignore her request.

‘Putting aside figuring out the situation, it wouldn’t be bad to create a personal favor with Cara here.’

Joseph, having reached a conclusion, nodded.

“Okay, let’s go together on the 8th. But Cara, did you really come to Korea just for an actor named Kang Woo-jin?”

“I told you, I have other things to do. Then, see you on the 8th.”

“…Okay.”

-Click.

The call ended. Joseph Felton slowly lowered the phone from his ear. Soon, Robert, who was standing behind him, asked cautiously.

“Miley Cara—is she really in Korea right now?”

Joseph, putting his phone in his pants pocket, smiled faintly and spoke in English.

“It seems so.”

“Why would Miley Cara… come to Korea because of ‘Leech’? And what’s with the talk about Kang Woo-jin?”

“There’s no way to know. She’s such an unpredictable character. However, I can guess. When she came to Korea for movie promotions in the past, she probably saw something in Kang Woo-jin.”

“Something?”

“She must have felt something similar to herself in Kang Woo-jin.”

“It’s still amazing. Miley Cara is known for being cold even in Hollywood.”

“I don’t know exactly what Cara is trying to do with Kang Woo-jin, but it must be an energy that can captivate even a Hollywood star like her.”

Robert’s face changed to one of slight incomprehension. Conversely, Joseph crossed his arms and showed interest on his face.

“Kang Woo-jin, he’s captivated them more than I expected. The people in Hollywood, I mean.”

Meanwhile, at the same time.

On the busy streets of Seoul, inside a large van with heavily tinted windows, several foreigners were present. Among them, a woman with her blonde hair tied up and wearing sunglasses was looking down at her phone by the window.

It was Miley Cara.

“Joseph Felton is definitely interested in Kang Woo-jin.”

Responding to her murmur was a foreign man with a buzz cut sitting in the seat to her right. It was Jonathan, Cara’s manager and representative.

“Are you sure? There are so many Hollywood actors around Joseph Felton, why would he be interested in one actor from Korea?”

“Even if it’s not 100%, that’s how I see it. The Hollywood project where Kang Woo-jin had a screen test must be one of the ones Joseph is running.”

In fact, after returning to LA, Cara had continuously searched for news about Kang Woo-jin. Her interest was deep, along with her desire to work with Woo-jin. That’s why she mentioned him even when she went on famous overseas talk shows.

Therefore, she had also checked the buzz about Woo-jin’s Hollywood movie screen test, various issues, and even his recent piano performance. Jonathan then stroked his chin.

“Hmm—being noticed by Joseph Felton means… a path to Hollywood is opening up.”

Cara, who was smiling faintly, crossed her legs.

“Kang Woo-jin—he’s a fascinating actor. To think he’d catch the eye of the most influential producer in Hollywood so quickly.”

“By the way, Cara, have you sent Kang Woo-jin a DM [direct message] yet?”

“I haven’t sent it yet. My goal is to see his acting, which is his main job, not his hobby, but Kang Woo-jin might feel unnecessary pressure seeing me. Although it’s unlikely given his personality… I don’t want to make him feel unnecessarily bothered.”

Cara, who had been murmuring, took off her sunglasses. Her blue eyes were clear. After thinking for a moment, she turned her gaze to the window.

“It’s not too late to make an offer after he finishes filming.”

Several hours later.

The location was near Sinsa Station. It was the headquarters building of a large distribution company. To be precise, it was the distributor of the movie ‘Leech,’ and a familiar actress got out of a van that had just parked in the building’s underground parking lot.

-Squeak!

It was Han So-jin, a rookie actress with long black hair and a mole near the tip of her nose, who had a mix of elegance and a slightly edgy image. As soon as she got out of the van, she let out a sigh. Her breath was mixed with tension. Han So-jin, wearing a hoodie, held the ‘Leech’ script to her chest.

It was understandable.

Because the official script reading of ‘Leech’ was about to begin in about an hour.

A huge project that had been causing a stir in the domestic entertainment and film industry even before production. The moment she stepped into the 100th film directed by the legendary director Ahn Ga-bok. In terms of roles, whether lead or supporting, Han So-jin’s filmography changed the moment she joined ‘Leech.’

She had to share acting chemistry with stellar veteran actors, and the dreamlike stage of the Cannes Film Festival began to appear in her mind.

As a rookie, it was natural for Han So-jin to feel extreme pressure.

‘Hoo—get a grip. Don’t lose focus before it even starts. There are mountains to climb, right?’

But Han So-jin regained her composure. It was the same when she joined the enormous ‘Leech,’ but in the meantime, she had a clear goal as big as a mountain. To compete against Kang Woo-jin, the only rookie similar to her on this set, but whose position was as different as heaven and earth.

Her ultimate goal was competitiveness.

Soon, her eyes filled with determination. On the other hand, Han So-jin’s chief manager and team members were constantly beaming. It was natural since Han So-jin, whom they were in charge of, was on a winning streak.

“Alright, So-jin, shall we go?”

“Yes, Chief Manager.”

“Wow—I’m so moved. Our So-jin is going to the script reading of director Ahn Ga-bok’s work!”

They got on the elevator and got off on the 4th floor, and following the guidance of the staff who were waiting, they arrived at the conference room in the middle of the hallway.

A nameplate was attached to the glass door.

-‘Leech’ Script Reading Room.

As expected, dozens of staff members were busily moving around. There was also a team with cameras. Reporters talking on the phone or checking cameras were also visible. Then, Han So-jin, taking a small deep breath, opened the glass door of the reading room.

Soon, the interior of the reading room unfolded before her eyes.

A table set up in a U-shape, many folding chairs surrounding the table in a circle, cameras installed on tripods in various places, role charts placed on the table, and film company or distribution company officials who had arrived in advance, etc.

It was a common sight, but the scale was large.

Soon, Han So-jin, like a rookie, greeted loudly and bowed her head slightly to the staff and officials, then checked the role charts placed on the table.

The interesting thing was.

“Ah.”

That she could see an actor who had arrived before her. Han So-jin had also arrived about 50 minutes early. But the first one was a male actor with an indifferent face, right next to the director’s seat at the very front.

‘……Kang Woo-jin.’

It was Kang Woo-jin, who was sitting calmly in his seat, looking down at the script, wearing a slightly thick bomber jacket. It was unexpected. Honestly, Han So-jin thought she would be the first to arrive. But from the start, she had lost to him. Well, it was funny to rank people by the order they arrived, but Han So-jin’s competitive spirit was that strong right now.

‘Ha—I should have come about 30 minutes earlier.’

She lamented inwardly and slowly walked towards Kang Woo-jin. Woo-jin, who seemed to have sensed her presence, turned his head from the script. Han So-jin bowed her head to him.

“Hello, Woo-jin.”

Woo-jin got up and accepted the greeting without much fuss.

“Yes, hello.”

“…You came early.”

“It just happened that way.”

“Uh—”

Han So-jin, who was trailing off, bit her lower lip subtly and continued.

“The opposing roles you showed during the audition… I was really amazed. I thought you were amazing.”

“Is that so?”

“Yes. That’s why I became more determined. I want to surpass you, Woo-jin, no matter what.”

Han So-jin’s small but firm ambition. On the other hand, there was no particular hesitation in Kang Woo-jin’s low voice.

“As you wish.”

He was cool and calm. He seemed a bit arrogant, but he was solid. This man was still the same. Han So-jin was filled with competitive spirit looking at Kang Woo-jin, but conversely, she was one of the people who recognized him the most on this set.

‘He must have had talent, sense, and skill. But there’s not an ounce of arrogance. This actor doesn’t stop. He must have been working hard, sacrificing his life to get here? He’s crazy, really. How much of a scam is he?’

The more she looked at him, the higher the mountain Kang Woo-jin seemed. An actor handpicked by director Ahn Ga-bok himself for the lead role. But she couldn’t give up. No, she didn’t want to. Han So-jin renewed her determination.

“…I look forward to working with you again.”

“Yes, me too.”

Their short greetings ended. Behind her, she glanced at the role chart placed at Woo-jin’s seat.

-‘Park Ha-sung Role/ Actor Kang Woo-jin’

Han So-jin’s seat was the third seat across from Woo-jin.

-‘Yoon Ji-min Role/ Actress Han So-jin’

After a few tens of minutes, the actors of ‘Leech’ began to arrive one after another. Top actor Jin Jae-joon, who was chosen for the role of ‘Yoon Ja-ho.’ His seat was right next to Kang Woo-jin’s.

“Woo-jin, it’s been a while. Did you have a good time in LA?”

“Yes, senior.”

Jin Jae-joon was quite relaxed, unlike during the audition. Han So-jin across from him greeted him politely, and around this time, several supporting actors of ‘Leech’ also entered. In the meantime, Oh Hee-ryung, who played the role of ‘Yoo Hyun-ji,’ also appeared.

“Hello—hello, hello.”

She still maintained a youthful beauty and a captivating image, looking like she was still in her 30s. Her actions and speech were very sophisticated. She exuded an atmosphere of grace. She was a veteran actor similar to Shim Han-ho, but it was Oh Hee-ryung who broke down the walls.

“Oh my, So-jin. Nice to meet you—I saw your acting during the audition, it was great.”

“S-Senior! Hello. You can speak comfortably!”

“Oh, no, what senior. You can call me unnie [older sister]. Is it a bit difficult right now?”

“Ah—Ah! No! Un…nie senior.”

“Hahaha, she has a character.”

Of course, Oh Hee-ryung was also friendly to Kang Woo-jin.

“Woo-jin, hello? I’ve seen you so much in the news, it doesn’t even feel like it’s been a long time?”

“Yes. Hello, senior.”

“Uh-huh, is Woo-jin’s cool charm his appeal?”

“I don’t really know.”

“Interesting—we have to be together a lot? I’m looking forward to it, filming.”

“Me too.”

Watching this, Han So-jin’s gaze was directed towards the composed Kang Woo-jin.

‘Wow—that person is the same even in front of these veteran seniors. I’m really envious of that. I can’t do that…’

Of course, Han So-jin didn’t notice that Woo-jin had flinched for a brief moment.

That’s when it happened.

-Swish.

One more actor arrived at the large reading room. Soon, shouts from various staff and supporting actors could be heard.

“Ah, hello!”

“Hello, senior!!”

“Hello!”

It was understandable. The one who had just entered was the veteran actor Shim Han-ho. With his appearance, the reading room instantly gained more weight. However, Oh Hee-ryung, who was sitting to Han So-jin’s right, was no different. She maintained a smile even while looking at the stoic Shim Han-ho.

“Oh my? Senior, what’s with your appearance—did you live in the mountains?”

Except for Oh Hee-ryung, most of the actors and staff in the reading room were surprised to see Shim Han-ho. The reason was simple.

“……”

The appearance of Shim Han-ho, who kept his mouth shut, was quite unique. What should I say, if you put it nicely, he was rugged, and if you put it badly, he looked like a beggar. His moderate physique was still there, but he had lost some weight, and his tied-up gray long hair was even longer. The problem was that there was quite a bit of stubble on his mouth and chin.

He was a natural man himself.

Among the surprised actors, Han So-jin, who had her eyes wide open, opened her mouth without realizing it.

‘Wh, what—did he really go to the mountains to train or something??!’

Nevertheless, Shim Han-ho’s aura, resembling a tiger, was still there. No, was it because a rough aspect had been added? Rather, it was more imbued with a wild taste.

Then.

-Swish.

Holding a script in one hand, Shim Han-ho, with a very blunt face, received the greetings of the other actors appropriately, but went straight to one actor.

“Hello, senior.”

It was in front of Kang Woo-jin, whose poker face was unwavering. Shim Han-ho’s seat was the first seat on the opposite side of Woo-jin. But for some reason, Shim Han-ho met Kang Woo-jin first.

The veteran actor Shim Han-ho’s gaze was calm and intense.

“……”

Shim Han-ho, who had been looking at Woo-jin’s eyes for a short time, opened his mouth with stubble on it. His voice was very deep.

“My acting might be a bit fierce today.”

He was saying it would be aggressive. In that instant, Han So-jin, who was watching this, gasped. What was that? She was visibly flustered. It was a sight she was seeing for the first time since her debut as an actress. Soon, Han So-jin turned her gaze to Woo-jin, who was standing in front of Shim Han-ho.

She judged that Woo-jin would also be flustered. If that veteran actor Shim Han-ho did that right in front of anyone, anyone would be intimidated.

‘He’s going to freeze??’

But Kang Woo-jin’s composure didn’t waver an inch.

“Yes, I’ll take it well.”