I was Mistaken as a Monstrous Genius Actor [EN]: Chapter 29

“Huh? Forty million won?” Kang Woo-jin couldn’t hide his shock. He was already a bit surprised by thirty million won, but suddenly, ten million won was added on top. Things were going haywire again. ‘Why are you doing this all of a sudden?’ Kang Woo-jin was dying to ask directly.

However, to CEO Choi Sung-gun, Woo-jin was a giant monster actor.

Questioning his own value would only make CEO Choi Sung-gun tilt his head in confusion. Kang Woo-jin was still reeling from the shock, but he tried his best to maintain a poker face. Then, he repeated Choi Sung-gun’s answer in a low voice.

“Forty million won, you say.”

“Yes. It’s possible, Woo-jin-ssi.”

Reality felt a bit numb to Kang Woo-jin. How could it not? Back when he worked at the design company, ten million won was an amount he could barely save even after a whole year of work. Now, it was going back and forth in a matter of seconds. It was bewildering. Bewildered as he was, Woo-jin forced himself to stay calm.

There was no reason to refuse when they were offering it.

‘That ponytail guy is just mistaken. I’m innocent.’

Now, he had to continue the conversation naturally. Very composedly. However, there was no need for long speeches. A slip of the tongue was the enemy of his concept. If his lines were sloppy, he could be seen as a nobody.

‘Every moment is like walking on thin ice.’

Unbeknownst to anyone, Woo-jin was waging a fierce war within himself, and he came up with a sophisticated yet cool line.

“I’m curious why that amount was decided.”

‘Give me an explanation.’ As expected, CEO Choi Sung-gun clasped his hands together solemnly.

“…Actually, these days, it’s a trend to avoid contract fees. Top stars who are leaving actually don’t receive contract fees, but instead get houses or other things.”

“Yes.”

“It’s similar for rising rookie actors who have suddenly gained popularity after a couple of successful movies or dramas. After their 7-year contract period, including their trainee years, they get a foreign car instead of a contract fee when they transfer.”

“Yes, I roughly know that.”

“The key point here is ‘transfer.’ Contract fees mostly occur when an artist transfers. Whether it’s an actor or an idol, there usually isn’t a contract fee for the first contract. Because they always start as trainees. If a kid seems promising, they might get a few tens of thousands as pocket money?”

Soon, CEO Choi Sung-gun pointed at the composed Kang Woo-jin.

“But Woo-jin-ssi is a bit of an exception. You’re definitely a complete unknown, and you’ve only done two projects, one of which is a short film. But cases like this are practically unheard of. You’re well aware of that, aren’t you?”

“Keep talking.”

“However, to be blunt, to the public, Woo-jin-ssi is still just a regular person. In the entertainment industry, money ultimately comes from the level of recognition. If an agency that doesn’t know Woo-jin-ssi saw this contract fee, they’d think we’re crazy. Because your recognition is zero. On the other hand, agencies that saw Woo-jin-ssi at the script reading are willing to invest. Just looking at the future.”

“……”

“In the end, it’s all about recognition here. Whether it’s agencies or the public.”

CEO Choi Sung-gun paused for a moment.

“Woo-jin-ssi, your acting was insane. It’s been a while since I’ve been moved by an actor’s performance.”

He continued his explanation.

“It’s also amazing how you charmed the director and writer to join ‘Profiler Hanryang.’ But the entertainment industry is always uncertain about the future. If ‘Profiler Hanryang’ fails, Woo-jin-ssi’s obscurity will last longer. ‘Detective Agency’ is a short film, so the public doesn’t really watch it.”

He wasn’t wrong. Kang Woo-jin was the only one who knew the future hints of the project.

“If that happens, then the agencies that approached me and Woo-jin-ssi would have given forty million in contract fees to a regular person. Because of that uncertainty, regardless of Woo-jin-ssi’s acting skills, other agencies wouldn’t give more than forty or fifty million. Other agencies even have to get approval from higher-ups.”

‘Ah, rejections are so annoying.’ As Kang Woo-jin was internally agreeing, CEO Choi Sung-gun suddenly unfolded a transparent file he had brought. It was a contract.

“But actually, the contract fee doesn’t mean much in this situation. It’s just a token of sincerity or a gesture to appreciate Woo-jin-ssi’s acting. As you know, the key here is…”

Soon, CEO Choi Sung-gun pointed at a part of the contract with his index finger.

“The profit-sharing ratio and the contract period.”

‘I see.’ Kang Woo-jin realized something new once again. And it seemed like he needed a spoonful of bluff. ‘Well, I might as well use some of the things I heard from Director Shin Dong-chun.’ Woo-jin lowered his voice.

“There’s no need to invest money, time, or training in me.”

CEO Choi Sung-gun, who had been smirking, nodded.

“That’s correct. That’s a big merit for any agency. Perhaps Woo-jin-ssi wouldn’t be satisfied with any conditions from any agency right now. But as Woo-jin-ssi’s presence grows, an agency will become necessary.”

“Yes.”

“So, I thought about it. What would be sweet for Woo-jin-ssi, in addition to the contract fee? I thought it might be a taste? To understand the market dynamics?”

CEO Choi Sung-gun, who had come to his own conclusion, pushed the unfolded contract towards Woo-jin.

“The profit-sharing ratio for rookie actors who have gone through training is around 5:5 to 6:4. But Woo-jin-ssi is already complete. In other words, the agency doesn’t have to spend a single penny.”

He put strength into his voice.

“Profit-sharing ratio 9:1, of course, we get 1. And a 1-year contract period.”

‘What is this? These are outrageous conditions.’ At that moment, Choi Sung-gun spoke meaningfully.

“In short, it’s like we’re saying, ‘Just get a taste of what our BW Entertainment is like.’ You can decide whether to extend it after a year. What do you think?”

At the question, Kang Woo-jin lowered his gaze to the contract and replied in a low voice.

“Please explain the contract.”

At the same time, at a drama set.

The set, divided into several sections, was in the final stages of construction. There, PD [Production Director] Song Man-woo with a beard was visible. He seemed to be checking various things while walking around the set.

“There’s a sound here. Can’t you hear it? It’s squeaking?”

At that moment.

-♬♪

His phone rang. After checking the caller, PD Song Man-woo answered the phone casually.

“Oh, Chief Choi. Did you check the actor we were supposed to see at the reading?”

A man’s voice was heard through the phone. It was Chief Choi from the major film company ‘Box Movie.’

“Yes, yes. I saw him. PD-nim, that- you know? The guy who turned the script reading upside down. Kang Woo-jin. Could you possibly give me his number?”

“Number?”

“Yes. Actually, I gave him my business card at the reading, but I haven’t heard from him for about a week. He must have seen the film company’s name, but this is the first time this has happened…”

PD Song Man-woo with a beard chuckled as if he understood.

“Well, that guy doesn’t move based on name value. He’s a very solid guy. But it’s a bit difficult for me to just give out his number, wouldn’t you say?”

“It’s a bit urgent.”

“Hmm, it’s not like he’s ignoring Box Movie, I’m sure there’s a reason.”

PD Song Man-woo, who had been trailing off, suddenly had a thought.

‘Box Movie contacted Kang Woo-jin? They must have started working with that director now?’

PD Song Man-woo remembered an article he had recently seen. One of the country’s master directors had started production at Box Movie. If he mixed the timing a bit, the answer was quite simple.

‘Are they trying to reel in Kang Woo-jin?’

There was a good chance.

‘If Kang Woo-jin joins that director’s project as well… then his filmography would be incredible.’

PD Song Man-woo, who was drawing a picture in his head, suddenly smirked.

“If it’s that urgent, should I ask Woo-jin-ssi for you?”

Several tens of minutes later. Back at the BW Entertainment CEO’s office.

Kang Woo-jin and CEO Choi Sung-gun were sitting facing each other. CEO Choi Sung-gun with the ponytail was busy explaining the contract to Woo-jin in detail. He was quite passionate. Even while listening to the explanation, Kang Woo-jin was secretly glancing at CEO Choi Sung-gun.

‘Whatever the case, this situation must involve several misunderstandings? Hong Hye-yeon’s influence must have played a role too.’

Surely, she must have added her strength as well. That meant that he would never be able to receive these kinds of conditions if he went to another agency. Come to think of it, there wasn’t a place with better conditions than BW Entertainment. At least, that’s what Kang Woo-jin thought.

‘I need ‘experience,’ and a 9:1 ratio with a 1-year contract?’

This trial contract was perfect for Woo-jin.

‘Well, it’s good to have someone I know. And the fact that it’s Hong Hye-yeon is a bonus.’

The entertainment industry was unfamiliar to Woo-jin. If even the agency he would be working with was unfamiliar, the fatigue would double. Either way, he needed to play a concept, right? Then, wouldn’t it be better to be in a place where he felt more comfortable?

Kang Woo-jin made a decision on his own, without CEO Choi Sung-gun knowing.

About 10 minutes passed. The passionate briefing by CEO Choi Sung-gun ended, and he made eye contact with Kang Woo-jin across from him and asked.

“What do you think? One thing I can definitely say is that we will do our best.”

First, he needed to give a bit of leeway here.

“……”

The expressionless Kang Woo-jin created a gap in the conversation. It was a minute later that his mouth opened.

“CEO-nim, can I add about two conditions?”

“…I’ll listen.”

“One is that you don’t ask about my past, and the second is that I will only do the projects I want.”

“About the past… Yes, I heard a bit from Hye-yeon. That there must be some circumstances. About the projects, are you saying that we shouldn’t even recommend them?”

“No. I’m just saying that I want to make the decisions about the projects.”

In other words, he wanted to have the decision-making power over the projects. Choi Sung-gun thought it was okay. It would be a problem if he didn’t want to do any projects, but if that wasn’t the case, then anything was fine. CEO Choi Sung-gun smiled.

“Both are possible. We can add them to the contract.”

As soon as he heard the answer, Kang Woo-jin extended his hand. Even in his movements, solemnity was essential.

“Please take good care of me.”

For a moment, CEO Choi Sung-gun, slightly wide-eyed, shook hands with Woo-jin and asked again.

“Does that mean you’re going to sign with me?”

“That’s right.”

Soon, CEO Choi Sung-gun’s ponytail was practically touching his ears.

“Hahaha! Yes, yes. Oh my, I laughed too loudly. I just had a burst of exhilaration.”

From here, CEO Choi Sung-gun moved quickly. He quickly presented the revised formal contract to Woo-jin.

-Swish.

“Please take good care of us, our BW Entertainment’s second actor.”

Kang Woo-jin signed. It was the moment he got an agency. At the same time, Woo-jin took out the business card he had brought and asked something out of the blue.

“This is the business card I received at the reading. It’s from a film company, not an agency, but they asked me to contact them.”

Choi Sung-gun’s smile deepened as he received the business card.

“Haha, that’s amazing? To get a job offer at the same time as signing a contract. Let’s see- what film company is it?”

At that moment, CEO Choi Sung-gun’s ponytail’s eyes widened.

‘Box Movie??’

Box Movie was a large film company. Choi Sung-gun quickly flipped the business card over. The name of the owner of the business card was visible.

‘Chief Choi Do-min. He’s a powerful figure as a production PD at Box Movie. But did he come to the script reading too?’

As he was thinking, a light bulb suddenly went off in his head.

“Ah, Director Woo Hyun-gu. You know him? One of the country’s master directors. He’s doing his next project with Box Movie. And Director Woo Hyun-gu and Chief Choi Do-min are close. Ah! Then… is Chief Choi trying to push Woo-jin-ssi into Director Woo Hyun-gu’s movie?”

After thinking for a moment, CEO Choi Sung-gun made eye contact with the expressionless Kang Woo-jin.

“Woo-jin-ssi. It would be good to meet this Chief Choi. No, we should definitely meet him.”

At that moment.

-Vroom, vroom.

Woo-jin’s phone rang. It was a call, and when he checked the caller, it was PD Song Man-woo. CEO Choi Sung-gun also saw it and gestured for him to answer. Soon, Woo-jin put the phone to his ear.

“Yes, PD-nim.”

PD Song Man-woo’s voice was heard over the phone.

“Woo-jin-ssi. I heard you received a business card from Box Movie?”

“Yes. But how did you know that?”

“Chief Choi called me. He asked for Woo-jin-ssi’s number? So I said no. Instead, I said I would ask you.”

‘What timing?’ They were just talking about it now. At the same time, PD Song Man-woo muttered over the phone.

“Woo-jin-ssi, I’m sure you’ll handle it, but you should meet with that film company. It wouldn’t be bad, it’s a big place.”

“Yes, PD-nim. I’ll contact them.”

“Okay. Alright, I’ll contact you again.”

-Click.

As soon as he hung up, Kang Woo-jin roughly conveyed the contents of the call to Choi Sung-gun, and Choi Sung-gun, now Woo-jin’s manager, quickly grabbed his phone.

“I’ll call Chief Choi right now.”

Then, Choi Sung-gun, who was talking to the other party, said.

“I heard you gave our Woo-jin-ssi a business card? Ah, I’ll tell you the details when we meet, haha. Yes, yes.”

He was a bit surprised.

“Huh? You want to meet right now??”

Two hours later. Around lunchtime, at Box Movie Film Company.

Box Movie Film Company was using the 7th to 9th floors of a building in Nonhyeon-dong, and the hallways and office walls of each floor were lined with numerous movie posters.

All of them were movies produced by Box Movie.

Kang Woo-jin and Choi Sung-gun could be found in a medium-sized conference room on the 8th floor. The two were sitting in the middle of a U-shaped table. Woo-jin was secretly rolling his eyes, looking at the movie posters on the conference room wall.

Around this time.

“He’s late.”

CEO Choi Sung-gun with the ponytail tapped the table with his index finger, slightly annoyed. Chief Choi Do-min, who was supposed to meet them, hadn’t arrived for 30 minutes already.

“Is he whining because he couldn’t contact Woo-jin-ssi?”

30 minutes was crossing the line. It was definitely a delay with a hidden intention. Anyway, Choi Sung-gun took off his rimless glasses and sighed softly.

At that moment.

-Creak.

The glass door of the conference room opened, and a short man entered. It was Chief Choi Do-min.

“Hahaha, oh, I’m sorry. I suddenly had some urgent business to take care of on the way.”

Kang Woo-jin, who maintained a poker face, internally shuddered.

‘Ah- that line. Damn it, I heard that so often at the design company. PTSD is kicking in.’

After a brief greeting, Chief Choi Do-min smiled as he looked at the expressionless Woo-jin.

“So, we finally meet like this, Woo-jin-ssi? I’ve been waiting a lot.”

“I had a shoot.”

“Ah, is that so? Still, it took too long. Haha, I was almost disappointed that I didn’t hear from you for over a week. I thought, ‘Is an actor who’s just starting to build his filmography ignoring me?'”

He seemed to be smiling pleasantly, but Kang Woo-jin sensed immediately as he looked at Chief Choi Do-min. ‘That guy is sulking right now.’ There was a hint of disappointment in his tone.

At that moment, Chief Choi Do-min placed a stack of papers he had brought on the table.

“I told the director everything, but I almost got scolded because I couldn’t contact Woo-jin-ssi. Ah, I’m not blaming you.”

CEO Choi Sung-gun with the ponytail asked Chief Choi Do-min, who was waving his hand slightly.

“Excuse me, Chief, is the director you just mentioned perhaps Director Woo Hyun-gu?”

Chief Choi Do-min’s shoulders immediately rose.

“Yes, that’s right. Director Woo Hyun-gu. There’s no need to hide it. The articles have already been released. Well, Woo-jin-ssi, you’ll have to audition. But it’s more like a formality, with the acting I saw from Woo-jin-ssi, I think you’ll crush everyone. It won’t be difficult for you to join.”

Chief Choi Do-min, who had raised the corners of his mouth, slid the stack of papers he had placed forward.

“This is the script, take a look.”

Woo-jin, who casually picked up the script, first checked the cover of Director Woo Hyun-gu’s script. Then, he nonchalantly turned the first page. Meanwhile, Choi Sung-gun had his brain in gear.

‘Chief Choi Do-min is openly pushing him? If Woo-jin-ssi joins Director Woo Hyun-gu’s project right after ‘Profiler Hanryang,’ his impact will be…’

It was at this moment that Chief Choi Do-min confidently began his explanation.

“Of course, the financial power is beyond words. It’s Director Woo Hyun-gu’s next project, so investors are lining up with money.”

Regardless, Kang Woo-jin was casually flipping through the pages of the script. It almost looked like he was flipping through them without looking. Choi Sung-gun, who was watching him intently from the side, stroked his chin.

‘Chief Choi Do-min was always a moron, work is work. It doesn’t make sense to throw away this crazy opportunity because of that moron. If he’s pushing him like this, we should take advantage of it.’

He firmly resolved his role. Around this time, Kang Woo-jin raised his index finger with a cynical expression, and that finger moved to the side of the script. Of course, no one noticed this.

Then, he paused.

After a very brief pause, Kang Woo-jin let out a low groan.

“Hmm-”

Choi Sung-gun, who was sitting next to him, leaned in and whispered in Woo-jin’s ear.

“Woo-jin-ssi. This is an opportunity you have to accept no matter what. Honestly, a situation like this never happens to rookies or unknowns.”

“Is that so?”

“Of course, it’s joining Director Woo Hyun-gu’s project, right? Let’s just take it for now.”

Kang Woo-jin’s following answer was very dry.

“Yes, please reject it.”

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