I was Mistaken as a Monstrous Genius Actor [EN]: Chapter 266

May 5th, Children’s Day in Japan.

It was morning. Japan was a bit behind Korea in terms of the buzz surrounding Kang Woo-jin, but the media and public opinion were still very much engaged. News of Woo-jin’s awards at the Baeksang Arts Awards was already widespread, and then came the sudden announcement of his collaboration with Miley Cara and the ‘Gimjaban Makguksu’ cup ramen.

Both of these stories were trending on Japanese social media.

『Hot ‘Kang Woo-jin’ Cup Ramen Lands in Japanese Market』

The Miley Cara news, in particular, was a major shock to the Japanese entertainment industry. And the ‘Gimjaban Makguksu’ cup ramen was also selling incredibly well in Japan.

It had caught on with the trends in Japan.

[@Junuu22]

[I went all the way to Shin-Okubo to buy Kang Woo-jin’s cup ramen!! It’s so delicious!!! Seriously! I waited in a huge line to buy it, but it was worth it!! Go get it now!]

[#KangWooJin #KangWooJinCupRamen #GimjabanMakguksu]

There were countless photos from the Japanese public, and Japanese YouTubers were also creating videos about the ‘Gimjaban Makguksu’ cup ramen. Many videos even showed people making other dishes using the ramen.

They couldn’t watch ‘Our Table’ yet.

Well, some edited versions had been released on YouTube, but it was minimal compared to Korea. The current frenzy was clearly due to Kang Woo-jin’s influence alone. He was captivating the Japanese public with his sheer star power.

-I finally bought Kang Woo-jin’s cup ramen!!

-I’m jealous… I still can’t find it at the convenience store near my house… When will it arrive?

-If it’s hard to find, go to Shin-Okubo! You have to wait in line to buy it, but it seems like they have a lot in stock!

-wwww I’ve been eating only this for a week now.

-But did Kang Woo-jin really develop this??

-To be exact, he developed the recipe and then it was released as a product.

-What is Kang Woo-jin’s real identity? Is he a chef? Or an actor?

-I heard he also participated as a voice actor and is planning an album with Miley Cara… Now I’m suspicious of his identity, is he an alien?

-Heeeee! An alien! That’s possible!

Meanwhile, actor Kang Woo-jin, who was causing a stir in both Korea and Japan, was in his hotel room. It was a luxury hotel in Tokyo, and Woo-jin, wearing black pajamas, was brushing his teeth in the bathroom, having just woken up.

“······”

Woo-jin’s eyes, with his messy hair, were unfocused. He seemed to have just woken up. He was brushing his teeth mechanically, in a daze. He had even temporarily dropped his public persona. Of course, even in this state, his phone on the bed was buzzing with messages.

-Bzzzt.

-Bzzzt.

Texts, messages, and DMs. The reason was obvious. It was clear that acquaintances or colleagues in Korea who had seen the premiere of ‘Island of the Missing’ were sending them. Last night had been chaotic as well.

“Hoo- I’m so tired.”

Kang Woo-jin, having just rinsed his mouth, sighed. His fatigue seemed to have accumulated. Well, it was understandable. As soon as he arrived in Japan, he had returned to filming ‘Naki-sho’, and while he was in Korea, he had accumulated quite a few schedules in Japan.

‘These days, isn’t the hotel just my home? If it’s going to be like this, do I even need my own house?’

He had never experienced such a grueling schedule in his life. If he didn’t have the subspace [a personal space or ability unique to the character], he would have given up long ago. Of course, it was fun, but Kang Woo-jin was also feeling the intensity of it all.

‘Ha- Damn it. My schedule is packed today too, right?’

Today, there was no filming for ‘Island of the Missing,’ but there was a brief meeting with Director Kyotaro, and he also had to check out A10 Studio for ‘Boyfriend: Remake’. In the afternoon, there were interviews and photoshoots. In the evening, there was personal promotional video shooting ahead of the release of ‘Island of the Missing’. The entire ‘Island of the Missing’ team was accelerating their promotional schedule, but since Kang Woo-jin had come to Japan, he had to do his part.

An hour later.

Kang Woo-jin and Choi Sung-gun, with his ponytail, appeared in the hotel’s internal lounge.

-Swish.

Woo-jin quickly drew the attention of the guests in the lounge. Unlike in the morning, Kang Woo-jin, dressed in a light blue shirt, looked sharp. Of course, he also had a calm composure on his face. However, the inner Kang Woo-jin was preoccupied with other thoughts.

‘Wow- What’s that bread smell? It’s amazing!’

What Woo-jin saw was Director Kyotaro, who was wearing a hat pulled down low, but still had a lot of gray hair showing. He had stopped by briefly to meet Kang Woo-jin before filming. Director Kyotaro, who was looking at his phone, smiled at Woo-jin and spoke in Japanese.

“Haha, Mr. Woo-jin. Since we’re both busy, let’s get straight to the point.”

“Yes, Director.”

Director Kyotaro took out a few papers and showed them to Woo-jin. They were a few scenes from the ‘Naki-sho’ script.

“Mr. Woo-jin, you already know these scenes, but I’m thinking of making a slight change. I’ve already discussed it with writer Akari and the key staff. I told Mana Kusaku yesterday.”

“······”

“The first meeting between Kiyoshi and Detective Mochio. I’m thinking of shooting this cut in two ways. One is as per the storyboard, and the other is by removing the dialogue from the scene and letting the actors do as they wish. I’d like Kang Woo-jin and Mana Kusaku to express themselves freely. What do you think, Mr. Woo-jin?”

Freely? Was he talking about something like ad-libbing? Throwing the characters into the situation and letting them figure it out? He was a bit surprised by the unexpected proposal, but Kang Woo-jin’s face remained calm. It was partly his public persona, but it was also genuine.

‘The ‘freedom of the role’, I can use that.’

It wasn’t a difficult task.

“Yes, it’s not particularly difficult.”

“That’s a relief. By the way, this cut will probably be the last day of filming for ‘Naki-sho’ according to the shooting schedule.”

“Is that so?”

“Yes. And there will probably be some guests coming that day. Writer Akari, film company executives, and even Chairman Yoshimura Hideki.”

In other words, all the key people involved with ‘Naki-sho’ would be gathering.

Back in Korea.

Time flew by. While Kang Woo-jin was working through his schedule in Japan, a movie war was unfolding in Korea.

Because the peak season had begun.

『Children’s Day, Movie Theaters Packed with Crowds… As Expected, Peak Season / Photo』

The movies that had been waiting were being released one after another. The movies that had exploded in popularity the previous week quickly faded, and the newly released movies gained momentum. The big movies and Hollywood movies scheduled to be released in the future were also promoting like crazy. Not to be outdone, ‘Island of the Missing’ also accelerated its marketing and promotion.

-‘Island of the Missing’ | 3rd Official Trailer | Eoullim Film Company

Trailers with a strong advertising focus, character introduction videos, and making-of videos were being released on many video platforms, including YouTube. Of course, other movies were doing the same. The actors added to the movie war by appearing at stage greetings, variety shows, and YouTube channels according to their schedules.

『[Movie Talk] From Hollywood Blockbusters to Movies by Master Directors… New Movies Pour In, Movie Theaters Are All Smiles』

And so, on Saturday, May 8th.

In time for Parents’ Day, Kang Woo-jin’s parents, Seo Hyun-mi and Kang Woo-cheol, arrived at the premiere of ‘Island of the Missing’. They were not alone; Woo-jin’s younger sister, Kang Hyun-ah, and her friends, who were executives of ‘Kang Heart’, were also with them. Of course, it was Kang Woo-jin’s invitation.

Seo Hyun-mi and Kang Woo-cheol’s faces were full of emotion as they arrived at the movie theater.

“Oh my goodness- honey, look at that monitor over there. Woo-jin, our Woo-jin, is the lead.”

“Hyun-mi… What’s with the surprise? Still, our son is handsome.”

Seo Hyun-mi held up a small poster of ‘Island of the Missing’. A group shot of the actors in military uniforms against the backdrop of a cave.

“It’s amazing. Woo-jin is on this poster too. As the lead.”

“Definitely. He wasn’t this prominently featured in ‘Drug Dealer’.”

On the posters and standees of ‘Island of the Missing’ that were already placed, Kang Woo-jin was proudly in the front, along with other top actors. Soon, Kang Hyun-ah, in front of the theater where the premiere would be held, called her parents.

“Mom! Dad!! We have to go in!”

The promotional power of ‘Island of the Missing’ was gradually increasing. Thanks to the master director Kwon Ki-taek and the top actors, including the headline-making Kang Woo-jin, ‘Island of the Missing’ was selling well. However, on May 19th, the official release date of ‘Island of the Missing’, the other movie teams participating on that day were also not weak in their promotional efforts.

“Articles! Release more articles! It’s too weak!!”

“I’ll request it from the distributor right away!!”

“Release twice as many as ‘Island of the Missing’ no matter what! Looking at the atmosphere, this promotional schedule isn’t enough. Talk to the actors and get more variety show appearances!”

“Yes!!”

The competing works were also pouring money into promotion. Endlessly, as the 19th approached.

“It’s the peak season, the peak season! We have to be on our toes. Did you look into the reviews of the ‘Island of the Missing’ premiere?”

“There aren’t many, but they’ve been quite praised. It seems the quality is good!”

“It’s Director Kwon Ki-taek, of course it’s good. Tsk, honestly, it would be best if the content was bad and it collapsed on its own…”

“Isn’t it a bit unreasonable to schedule the release for the 19th??”

“No. That’s the perfect time. It’s Buddha’s Birthday, so it’s a public holiday. If we push it back, there’s a string of big Hollywood movies. ‘Island of the Missing’ is the only one that can compete.”

There were only four movies being released on the 19th. Three domestic and one Hollywood.

“Let’s double the YouTube ads.”

“We already have the most, though?”

“We need to be even more overwhelming. The only good thing is that Kang Woo-jin isn’t in Korea right now. This is our chance.”

The competing works were rushing in with their eyes blazing. In addition, the movie scene was literally flooded with new releases. However, Kang Woo-jin supported ‘Island of the Missing’ in a different way. Including the issues already prevalent in the media and public opinion.

[Channel Name: Kang Woo-jin’s Alt]

[13.21 Million Subscribers]

[52 Videos]

Because he was managing a huge, influential channel.

-@Wooji_n

Posts 230

Followers 20.08 Million

Following 67

Kang Woo-jin was a true powerhouse as a YouTuber and influencer, as well as an actor.

Thus, signaling the start of the movie war.

『’Movie War’, May 19th Has Dawned… ‘Island of the Missing’ Ready to Launch』

May 19th had arrived.

May 19th, Wednesday. Buddha’s Birthday.

Late morning. Perhaps because it was a public holiday, the subways and buses in Seoul were quieter than on weekdays. Well, there were still many people, but it seemed less crowded compared to the commute rush.

At that very moment, three familiar men were seen near Pangyo Station, at a large multiplex movie theater.

The three who had just gotten on the elevator were.

“Ah- Damn it, I can’t believe I’m at the movie theater with these guys on my day off.”

“Lee Kyung-sung. Take out the candy in your hand and talk. What are you eating from the morning? And we went to the movie theater once before, right? When we watched Woo-jin’s ‘Private Investigator’.”

“Hehe, Lee Kyung-sung was eating popcorn back then too.”

“Shut up. Na Hyung-gu, you ate it too.”

They were Kang Woo-jin’s best friends. The reason they were heading to the movie theater, even while grumbling, was simple. It was to watch ‘Island of the Missing’, which was officially released today. Then, Kim Dae-young, the burly one who had just pressed the floor button and was having a rare day off, spoke to Na Hyung-gu. Na Hyung-gu had been busy contacting someone since earlier.

“Where’s your girlfriend?”

“I think she’s waiting in the lobby.”

“Ah, okay.”

For reference, these three had received invitations to Kang Woo-jin’s premiere, but they couldn’t go due to scheduling conflicts. That’s why they gathered separately today. Anyway, the elevator was gradually filling up with people as it went up each floor. There were many who had to be left behind because there wasn’t enough space.

Na Hyung-gu, squeezed into a corner, whispered to Kim Dae-young.

“Hey, there are so many people. Are they all going to the movie theater?”

“Definitely. They’re not pressing any floor buttons.”

“Wow, this is crazy. It’s 11 in the morning, how are there so many people-”

“It’s a holiday. And it’s the peak season for movie theaters these days.”

-Ding!

In the middle of their conversation, the elevator arrived at the movie theater floor and the doors opened, and the people flowed out into the movie theater like a receding tide. The three best friends were the same.

At the same time, the three of them were stunned.

“Wow… What, what is this??”

“There are so many people. What the hell??”

“This is insane. Is there a war going on? It’s like people are evacuating?”

It was because they were shocked by the crowd in the movie theater lobby. The ticket booths, the snack bar, the waiting sofas, etc., were all packed. Families, couples, male and female friends, singles, etc. The movie theater lobby was reminiscent of a club, except for the lighting, thanks to the enormous number of people. That’s how crowded it was.

“Wow, my ears hurt.”

“Hey, Na Hyung-gu, find your girlfriend quickly. If we’re not careful, we won’t be able to find anyone.”

“Oh. Ah! Here! Jin-joo!!”

Soon, Na Hyung-gu’s girlfriend joined them, making it a team of four. The leader of this team was the burly Kim Dae-young.

“…This is seriously a battlefield. Hey, Lee Kyung-sung, if you’re going to buy something to eat, go get it. Hyung-gu and his girlfriend, take your photos now. I’ll get the tickets.”

“Okay.”

“But you did make a reservation, right?”

“Of course. I bought them as soon as they opened a few days ago.”

The team quickly split up. Kim Dae-young, who had difficulty getting to the ticket machine, printed the movie tickets. Even that took 15 minutes because of the waiting line. Kim Dae-young, who had printed the tickets, was once again surprised by the crowd and picked up his phone.

“Wow- No, if Bundang [a district in South Korea] is like this, how much more crowded is Seoul?? At this rate, it’ll be sold out?”

He checked the current movie schedule of the movie theater. There were only four new movies released today. Among them, Kim Dae-young had chosen ‘Island of the Missing’.

[CCV Pangyo]

[May 19th, Wednesday / Showtimes]

[2D / Island of the Missing / Theater 2]

[9:05~11:12 / Sold Out], [12:20~14:32 / Sold Out], [16:10~18:22 / Sold Out], [20:05~22:37 / Sold Out], [23:00~25:27 / 20 Seats]

·

·

·

·

Kim Dae-young’s eyes widened.

“D, damn it??!”

It was a series of sold-out shows.

Then, he quickly searched for ‘Island of the Missing’ on a portal site. The first thing he saw was an article.

『’Island of the Missing’ Tops Overall Reservation Rate on Release Day!』

[Will ‘Island of the Missing’ Be the Tentpole Blockbuster for This Summer’s Peak Season at Theaters?]

[Currently, Director Kwon Ki-taek’s ‘Island of the Missing’ has topped the reservation rate at the three major multiplex theaters, including CCV, on its opening day, amidst the new movies of the peak season…]

‘Island of the Missing’ had started with a solo run.

End