I was Mistaken as a Monstrous Genius Actor [EN]: Chapter 269

From the moment he heard Kang Woo-jin’s comments, Director Kyotaro started muttering words like ‘stranger’ or ‘a person who disregards all causality.’ He was talking to himself.

Looking at the serious Director Kyotaro, who was stroking his chin, Woo-jin said,

“······”

He didn’t react outwardly, but inwardly, he was a bit nervous.

‘Did it work? Or not? What is it, which one is it?’

He had blurted it out in a ‘what the heck’ manner, but this was the first time he’d ever done something like this. Even after suddenly becoming an actor. But if he hadn’t said it, he would have regretted it.

That was Kang Woo-jin’s true feeling.

The ending of a work can be the part that determines the success or failure of the entire project. In other words, if the ending of ‘Strange Geisha’ changes as Kang Woo-jin suggested, the rating could change.

-[7/Scenario (Title: The Strange Sacrifice of a Stranger), SS-Class]

Currently, it’s SS-class, but it could drop to A-class or even, god forbid, B-class. Well, it could be the opposite too.

‘If the ending doesn’t change, then so be it.’

Even if the rating drops a bit, it’s okay. Or is it not okay?

‘Still, somehow—it feels like I protected Kiyoshi?’

Even if ‘Strange Geisha’ drops in rating, he’ll save Kiyoshi. Woo-jin felt that was enough. The reason? No freaking idea. He just felt like it. He didn’t realize it, but this was an actor’s greed. Something similar to not wanting to ruin a character?

Kang Woo-jin, who didn’t notice that he was growing as a person.

He spoke to Director Kyotaro, who was lost in thought right in front of him.

“The ending is different from the original, so we might hear complaints from the original fans, but I still wanted to say it. It felt like Kiyoshi was being ruined.”

Even in this situation, he’s trying to act like a big shot. Why? Because this line is no different from directly denying the world-renowned writer, Akari.

‘This is tough, tough. Pretending to be tough is like walking on thin ice every single day.’

On the other hand, Director Kyotaro, with his graying hair, was silent for a moment before slowly nodding.

“······I understand what you mean.”

Then, he took out the shooting script and pen he had tucked in his back pocket. He started writing something in the blank space. It was a memo of what had flashed in his mind. At the same time, Director Kyotaro thought.

‘This is perhaps. No, it’s definitely a gamble. I’ll 100% get complaints from hardcore fans of the original.’

Or, there’s a high possibility of getting heavily criticized by the entire Japanese content market. Because it’s an act of openly breaking the deeply rooted cliché of ’cause and effect.’ The public and many in the Japanese entertainment industry will be negative.

‘Especially in Japan, change is poison.’

To be precise, they have a strong aversion to new things. That’s why Japanese actors have been doing the same standardized acting, shouting and yelling, for decades. Movies and dramas also continue to maintain similar plots. In other words, they play it safe.

The plots of the mighty Japanese animations are also like that.

However, the manga market, which is the foundation of animation, is relatively creative, so anime is developing. Conversely, the rest of the content market is stagnant. Yet, it’s the same every year. It doesn’t move forward.

‘It’s already ruined.’

Japanese dramas and movies have reached the point where they mainly adapt anime and manga into live-action. They’ve long been left behind by Korea. Just look at the Korean Wave [Hallyu], which is a global phenomenon. On the other hand, Japan still relies on its domestic market.

Because they’re afraid of change.

Director Kyotaro recalled the initial purpose of ‘Strange Geisha.’

To give a sharp rebuke to this messed-up market.

The acting of Japanese actors, the atmosphere of the market, the solidified flow of money, the timid directors, and many others. Kang Woo-jin was chosen as the hitman for that. His monstrous acting, placing a Korean actor at the center of a work by Japan’s world-renowned writer Akari, and so on, were attempts to create a reversal.

And now, Woo-jin is even trying to overturn the ending of ‘Strange Geisha.’

But Director Kyotaro is positive.

‘Yeah, if we’re going to do it, let’s do it right—’

He’s thinking of taking the lead.

‘Kiyoshi will shine even more if we go with Woo-jin’s suggestion.’

He imagines the barrage. No matter how fierce the war breaks out.

“······Okay, I understand. Let’s take a 5-minute break. No, 10 minutes.”

Director Kyotaro, speaking in Japanese, turned his body while continuously writing something on the script. Then, he took out his phone. He was probably calling Akari, but Woo-jin didn’t think much of it.

‘Well, is it done? I’ve said everything I wanted to say.’

Soon, the assistant director shouted to the entire set. A shout of ’10-minute break!!’ or something like that. The staff of about a hundred were bewildered by the break that was called right after the start of filming, but they quickly moved their hands and feet to prepare for the next cut.

Meanwhile, Japanese actors approached Kang Woo-jin as he was leaving the set. They were all giving him thumbs up for some reason.

“Congratulations, Woo-jin-ssi.”

“I read the article and was like, ‘Heeeee-‘ and was so surprised! I’ve never even experienced those kinds of audience numbers!”

“Congratulations. It’s a result that’s hard to see in Japan, so I’m envious but also think it’s amazing.”

What is this? Why are they suddenly congratulating me? At first, Woo-jin was confused, but then a light bulb went off in his head.

Ah, ‘Island of the Lost’!

At that moment, even Choi Sung-gun, with his ponytail, came up to Woo-jin’s side. With a smile, he whispered in Kang Woo-jin’s ear.

“‘Island of the Lost’ has 700,000 viewers. It’s tied with the first-day record of the number one movie in Korean history.”

“···Is that so?”

Kang Woo-jin asked coldly, but inside, he was screaming.

‘Mi, crazy??!!! 700,000 in one day??!! That’s insane!!’

At the same time.

For some reason, the Japanese media was throwing out news about a Korean movie.

『「Strange Geisha」Kang Woo-jin’s starring movie ‘Island of the Lost’ draws 700,000 viewers in Korea in one day』

There were quite a few. But compared to the current situation in Korea, the Japanese media was just a drop in the bucket.

At this time, in Korea.

『[Movie Ranking] “Crazy!”, ‘Island of the Lost’ takes 1st place with 700,000 viewers on its opening day』

『As expected of the master director Kwon Ki-taek! ‘Island of the Lost’ soars to the top of the box office as soon as it’s released with 700,000+ viewers!』

The news was already flooded with articles about ‘Island of the Lost.’

『1st place ‘Island of the Lost’ with 700,000+ viewers on the first day, is ‘Island of the Lost’ confirmed as the tentpole blockbuster?』

The amount was enormous. But it was a reaction that was well deserved. The peak season at the theaters. In line with that, numerous tentpole movies were being released. In this harsh situation, ‘Island of the Lost’ took the undisputed first place, and at the same time.

『Challenger ‘Island of the Lost’, almost the same opening day performance as the reigning ‘Naval Battle’』

It had produced a result similar to the number one movie in Korean history. The iron fortress that had not been broken for about 7 years was shaking. With the terrifying result of 700,000 viewers in just one day, countless reporters couldn’t just sit still.

『Kang Woo-jin’s acting worked again···Will ‘Island of the Lost’ be the first to reach 10 million this year?』

Their fingers were moving every second, every minute. A few hours later. When various portal sites were filled with ‘Island of the Lost,’ public opinion also rapidly started tapping their fingers.

[「Island of the Lost」/ Released May 19, 2021]

[Rating 9.6]

[Viewer and Netizen Reviews/ 1002 Participants]

-When the monster appeared, I thought it was going to be a mountain movie, but I ended up climbing the mountain myself/ yin****

-There’s so much to see in this movie…and Kang Woo-jin’s god-like acting…I’m shocked and creeped out/ tan****

-Guys, the average rating from critics is over 7 points, just go watch it and bring extra underwear/ cal****

-WTFㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋIs Kang Woo-jin seriously crazy?ㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋHe’s so good at actingㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ/ lov****

-Fell asleep halfway through/ bmb****

-Ryu Jung-min is the center, Ha Yu-ra is pretty, and Kang Woo-jin is crazy/ dak****

-I see why director Kwon Ki-taek is a master, holy crapㅋㅋSo fun/ snn****

-The actors’ acting is amazing! Especially Kang Woo-jin stood out the most^^ The plot is solid and fun!/ dhn****

-The monster that appears from the beginning is just a side dish, it’s a movie about the human condition, you have to watch it, I’m going to watch it again tomorrow/ tck****

-Boring, I quit watching/ dbf****

-Kang Woo-jin is a constantly evolving actor…His acting is seriously insane, I kept saying wow wow, I didn’t see any of the characters he played before/ jeo****

-There are no acting holes, and Kang Woo-jin is the real deal, his acting is explosive!! He controls the tension all by himself…/ ssg****

·

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It was clearly a nuclear bomb-level impact. It quickly spread to communities, social media, and YouTube. Then, from the late afternoon of the 20th, various mass media also joined in. News, radio, and many other places covered the winner of this ‘movie war.’

It might be an overreaction.

Because it’s only been one day.

Regardless, the movies that lost to ‘Island of the Lost’ were like a funeral home.

“700,000 in one day. Is that still a possible result?”

“I, I can’t believe it either. But let’s have hope! Maybe there will be a reversal tomorrow!”

“What reversal? Did you see the ratings and public reaction to ‘Island of the Lost’? Do you think that will sink easily?”

“······”

“It’s a crushing defeat. Sigh- I guess we have to try to at least break even.”

There were also those who were strengthening their resolve.

“Don’t bow your heads! The more this happens, the more we need to accelerate our promotions!”

“Y-yes, sir!”

“We’re not trying to beat ‘Island of the Lost’! People aren’t just going to watch that! There are many cases where you aim for second place and then turn it around at the end! Get a grip!”

They say there’s opportunity in crisis? Many movies that aimed for the peak season were aiming for a counterattack. All the movies that were released earlier than ‘Island of the Lost,’ the ones that were released on the same day, and all the movies that would be released in the future.

However, that hope was shattered on the 21st, the next day.

1. Island of the Lost / Release Date: May 19 / Viewers: 715,005 / Screens: 1159 / Cumulative Viewers: 1,415,228

Not only was it a solo run, but ‘Island of the Lost’ had exceeded 1.4 million viewers in just two days.

Kang Woo-jin, who was currently in Japan, was facing a slight crisis in his concept.

‘1.5 million in two days!! Wow- damn, that’s crazy! No, I was seriously blown away even during the drug lord days!!!’

Even the ‘drug lord’ was speechless at the sight, but now the scale is several times bigger. It felt like reality. Meanwhile, his phone was exploding with calls from countless people. The phone was about to explode.

In addition, word-of-mouth for ‘Island of the Lost’ was spreading.

The result was announced on the morning of Saturday, the 22nd, when the results of Friday could be seen. The third-day results.

1. Island of the Lost / Release Date: May 19 / Viewers: 865,448 / Screens: 1159 / Cumulative Viewers: 2,280,676

Over 700,000 viewers, over 800,000. Cumulative viewers exceeded 2 million in 3 days. This was the first time that ‘Island of the Lost’ had broken the iron fortress of the number one movie, ‘Naval Battle.’

『[Movie Talk] The number one movie of all time, ‘Naval Battle,’ had 2.1 million on its third day, while challenger ‘Island of the Lost’ has 2.28 million···The tables have turned!』

It was the moment it was broken.

At this time.

Late in the morning, Japan’s TOP3 animation studio, ‘A10 Studio,’ was holding a big event. To be precise, the entire team of ‘My Best Friend: Remake’ was.

“Oh-”

“It’s well-made.”

“The effects and 3D are very clean.”

“Even without the OST [Original Sound Track] and sound, it’s this good—it’s worth looking forward to.”

In a medium-sized studio, dozens of people were speaking Japanese. It was the ‘My Best Friend: Remake’ team and the executives of ‘A10 Studio.’ And on the large and small monitors in front, an animation was being displayed.

The male character among them was familiar. He looked very much like Kang Woo-jin.

The reason was simple.

“All the characters are charming. Above all, the male lead character is very good, it was the right decision to model him after Kang Woo-jin.”

What they were watching was the animation ‘My Best Friend: Remake,’ which was an adaptation of the Korean ‘My Best Friend.’ Moreover, it wasn’t the first episode.

It was the 12th episode.

In other words, it was a test of the final episode.

Only the video was being displayed, excluding the post-production work such as dubbing, sound, and mixing, but the eyes of the people watching the anime were full of anticipation. It was understandable. They had cast the Korean actor Kang Woo-jin as a voice actor. It was the moment when the 1st to 12th episodes of ‘My Best Friend: Remake,’ which contained various challenges besides the adaptation of the original drama, were completed. It was a life-or-death project.

It was an incredible speed of about half a year. Operating four teams was a stroke of genius.

Now, the OP [Opening] , EP [Ending], and OST would be inserted before and after.

“Have you scheduled the voice actor dubbing, sound, and OST recording?”

“We’re coordinating, but we’ve got a rough outline.”

“Good. Ah, but what about Kang Woo-jin-ssi?”

“We received word that he’s in the final stages of filming ‘Strange Geisha.'”

“······Finally, the end is in sight.”

Once the voices of the voice actors, including Kang Woo-jin, were added, it would be ready for release.

Meanwhile, in the parking lot outside the ‘Strange Geisha’ set.

In the back seat of a boxy, white van among the many vans parked in the wide parking lot, two familiar figures were sitting facing each other. One was Director Kyotaro, with his graying hair. His expression was firm.

“······”

Sitting opposite him was Takikawa Akari, the original author of ‘Strange Geisha.’ She was looking down at a few sheets of paper with her glasses perched on the tip of her nose. The paper was filled with writing.

-Flap.

Of course, it was what Director Kyotaro had given her. To be precise, it was the revised ending of ‘Strange Geisha.’ It was like a proposal that Director Kyotaro had created in a few days. This absolutely required Akari’s approval. It was hard to tell what Akari’s mood was as she read it.

Neither expressionless nor smiling.

The ending that Akari was reading was about what happened after ‘Iyota Kiyoshi’ had finished all his ‘homework.’

The beginning was the subway during rush hour.

The setting of the ending that Director Kyotaro had written was very ordinary and familiar. Not only Akari, but everyone would think so.

‘An ordinary morning commute scene. Neither unusual nor shocking.’

It was very still. Crowds of people waiting for the subway. Office workers worn out from commuting. They were all the same. Black or navy suits with no expression on their faces. At first glance, it was hard to tell who was who.

Hundreds of people rushed onto the subway.

And got off.

Because they were black, it looked like a mass migration of ant colonies. Maybe they were people who were mass-produced in a factory. They didn’t say a word to each other.

It was natural.

Because they were ‘others’ and ‘strangers’ to each other.

The angle was from behind the hundreds of people going up the stairs. Among those hundreds of others or strangers, one person stopped and slowly turned his head back.

One of the countless others who had returned to their ordinary lives after finishing their ‘homework.’

[“······”]

It was the ‘stranger,’ ‘Iyota Kiyoshi.’

After reading this far, Akari asked Director Kyotaro quietly with a calm face.

“This ending······was suggested by Woo-jin-ssi, right?”

End