I was Mistaken as a Monstrous Genius Actor [EN]: Chapter 295

Kang Woo-jin accepted the transparent file from Choi Sung-gun, whose ponytail swayed slightly. His expression remained remarkably calm, but inwardly, he tilted his head, a subtle sign of confusion. ‘Scenes added to episodes 1 and 2 of ‘The Beneficial Evil’?’

‘Does that mean there are revisions?’ he wondered.

Even the drama’s runtime was being extended. Wouldn’t that mean a rather significant overhaul? Woo-jin, who had already read the scripts for episodes 1 and 2 of ‘The Beneficial Evil’ long ago, was naturally puzzled.

Why the revisions at this stage?

However, showing his slight bewilderment with his current, carefully constructed persona would be an overreaction. Kang Woo-jin casually opened the transparent file and asked Choi Sung-gun, his voice as low as possible.

“Adding scenes? Isn’t it a bit late?”

It was a tone that carried a hint of toughness, but Woo-jin’s question was valid. Even though ‘The Beneficial Evil’ was a pre-produced drama, revising the script this late in pre-production would extend the production period, ultimately costing more money.

From the start, ‘The Beneficial Evil’ was an expensive production.

Being pre-produced meant the quality and meticulousness had to be higher than a live drama, so the production costs invested so far were already substantial. In addition, more actors and staff were involved than usual. Extending the production period would mean even more money flowing out.

However, Choi Sung-gun smiled, as if it was not a problem.

“That’s right, normally it would be very late. But fortunately, it doesn’t seem like we’re starting from scratch.”

“Is that so?”

“Yeah. According to Song PD [Production Director], the scenes being added now were originally in the early drafts of episodes 1 and 2 of ‘The Beneficial Evil.’ It’s like they were taken out to finalize the script and are now being put back in.”

“So, naturally, the runtime of episodes 1 and 2 will increase.”

“Right. But instead of just putting them back as they were, Writer Choi will be working to improve the quality. She seems to be doing a lot of research right now.”

In other words, they were adding the original content with upgrades. That meant it wouldn’t significantly affect the production period. Woo-jin nodded indifferently, his gaze falling to the transparent file in his hand. The contents included rough storyboards of the added scenes, as well as information and data about the filming.

Kang Woo-jin was surprised as he looked at the storyboard cuts. Of course, only inwardly.

‘Wow—crazy. This is insane? Just from the storyboards, it looks like a movie??’

There was already a lot of action in ‘The Beneficial Evil,’ but the action in the storyboards he was seeing now was, how should he put it—quite intense? It was reminiscent of scenes from a Hollywood movie.

Even.

‘But this… a gun? Are they using guns too?’

It seemed to include techniques he had never seen before. There were also guns. Woo-jin, who was slightly serious both outwardly and inwardly, turned a page. There were quite a few words. They were data and information about the added scenes, but Kang Woo-jin focused on just one thing.

-Scheduled filming location: Bangkok, Thailand.

Bangkok? Bangkok, Thailand? So, they were going to film on location overseas? For a moment, Woo-jin was reminded of Da Nang, Vietnam, where he had filmed ‘Island of the Missing.’

No, more than that.

‘Bangkok? That’s so unexpected??’

It was a place he had never expected to visit. Bangkok was a place he had only joked about with kids, saying ‘Bangkok, Bangkok,’ but he had never really thought about going there in his life.

Whatever it was, he felt a strange mix of emotions.

‘Crazy. Are we really going to Bangkok to film this?’

Half anticipation, half worry. Of course, if he had to choose, he was more worried. He had filmed overseas before, in Japan and other countries, but this was his first time doing full-scale action. However, Woo-jin, who had to appear calm on the outside, slowly nodded.

“Bangkok, not bad.”

Choi Sung-gun suddenly gave a thumbs up.

“I also skimmed through it, and the visuals are amazing. The added scenes themselves give hints about the male lead’s past, so they’re going all out. From the beginning, it’s all about breaking, smashing, and exploding. It’s chaos.”

“Yes.”

“The main character needs to show his strength in episodes 1 and 2 to give momentum to the later episodes. Well, of course, it’s you, so you wouldn’t be nervous. How do you feel?”

“The same as always, just the right amount of anticipation.”

“Hehe. Anyway, the revised script will be sent over soon. Before that, there will be promotional shoots and meetings with the ‘Beneficial Evil’ team.”

Choi Sung-gun started explaining about ‘The Beneficial Evil.’ It went on for about 10 minutes. Soon, the two of them were sitting across from each other at the central table in the CEO’s office. As soon as Choi Sung-gun finished the ‘Beneficial Evil’ briefing, he changed the subject.

“And what happened with the Jinju incident? I need to know the situation too.”

It was a natural question. Kang Woo-jin, knowing this, explained the events at the Jinju Children’s Center in a low tone. Not in detail, just the key points. Choi Sung-gun let out a hollow laugh after hearing the story.

“What’s with that sponsor representative? Is he crazy? Anyway, good job.”

Choi Sung-gun took out his phone and continued.

“I was already planning to pay some attention to Jinju. It’s your hometown, and the Jinju City Hall keeps trying to get in touch, so I’ve been cutting them off every time. If we go with a donation, it’ll be meaningful and look good. Anyway, the children’s center contacted us, so I’ll take care of it.”

“Thank you.”

“What are you thanking me for? It’s something I was going to do anyway, you just fired the starting shot. And I heard you’re also making a personal donation? We’ll just handle that through the company, so don’t worry about it.”

Oh, as expected of the CEO. Woo-jin was outwardly stoic, but inwardly, he was deeply moved by Choi Sung-gun. Choi Sung-gun, unaware of this,

“Since it’s the first year, let’s go a little strong, including your personal donation. Let’s go with 300 million [Korean Won]. That way, the media will be all over it.”

He wrote something on his phone and then spoke again.

“Ah, the promotion will be a joint effort between Jinju City and us.”

After that.

Choi Sung-gun added that the donation-related promotion would be loud this year, but from next year, it would be done quietly. Kang Woo-jin’s trip to Jinju had already become quite a hot topic in the media and public opinion, so it was right to continue the momentum.

Anyway.

“That’s Jinju taken care of. Uh—next is your schedule.”

Choi Sung-gun, with his thick diary, began to list Woo-jin’s packed schedule. After a sweet rest, it was time to run at full speed again. Endless appointments poured out of his mouth. Meanwhile, Woo-jin.

“······”

He maintained a poker face but was spacing out. He was in a ‘water is water, mountain is mountain’ kind of state [a Zen saying indicating acceptance of things as they are]. If he lost his focus, he might even fall asleep. Woo-jin didn’t usually think about his scheduled appointments one by one. What’s the point of knowing? He just had to do them. Regardless, Choi Sung-gun continued his briefing passionately.

“In two days, ‘Uramatsu Mihuyu’ is coming to Korea for the ‘Kang Woo-jin’s Alternate Persona’ shoot. It’s the first time you’re seeing her since finishing ‘The Courtesan,’ right?”

“Yes.”

“It’s also Mihuyu’s first time in Korea for a schedule, not a trip. Anyway, a top Japanese actress is coming, so that will also make the news.”

It was only after about 30 minutes that Choi Sung-gun’s briefing ended.

“So, you’re back today, do you want to rest and start tomorrow?”

Kang Woo-jin shook his head and slowly stood up.

“I can start right away.”

And so, Kang Woo-jin, who had returned, boarded the train to hell once again. He went straight to the salon and then took care of the minor schedules he had postponed, such as interviews and photoshoots.

The next day, early in the morning.

Kang Woo-jin, wearing a hat pulled low, got into the van. He had to go to the salon again. He picked up his phone. It was to check the current internet situation.

‘Let’s see—’

Various issues were rampant on the internet. An idol’s scandal that had broken a few days ago, a variety show that had aired yesterday, news of a top actor’s comeback, and so on.

Among them, of course.

『Japanese animation studio ‘A10 Studio’ releases recording cuts for ‘My Guy Friend: Remake’···Only Kang Woo-jin is visible/Photo』

Issues related to Kang Woo-jin were the most prominent.

『’Kang Woo-jin’s’ hometown, Jinju, is now filled with banners welcoming him/Photo』

『[Issue Pick] ‘The Beneficial Evil’ aiming for the world, officials say “Overseas location is planned.” Where will they go?』

Since there were many stimulating keywords, it was natural that Woo-jin’s issues were the most popular.

『Has the strength run out? ‘Island of the Missing’ stops at 19 million viewers, film experts say “20 million is impossible”』

And around the time Kang Woo-jin, all made up, started his scheduled commercial shoot, Choi Sung-gun, with his ponytail, accessed Woo-jin’s ‘Kang Woo-jin’s Alternate Persona’ channel.

[Channel Name: Kang Woo-jin’s Alternate Persona]

[15.66 million subscribers]

[71 videos]

Woo-jin’s YouTube channel, which had already surpassed 15 million subscribers, had just uploaded a fresh video. It announced the end of his short break and the shoot with the top Japanese actress, ‘Uramatsu Mihuyu,’ who had worked with Woo-jin on ‘The Courtesan.’

Of course.

-@Wooji_n

Posts 241

Followers 22.31 million

Following 81

The news of his return was also shared on Kang Woo-jin’s Instagram and other social media. On both platforms, fans’ comments were pouring in like crazy. Korean, Japanese, and foreign languages. The chaotic mix of multilingual comments proved Woo-jin’s current influence.

Around this time, the ‘Beneficial Evil’ team. Or rather, to be precise, writer Choi Nana.

“······It’s a shame. I wish it was a bit more extreme.”

She was furiously writing the added scenes for episodes 1 and 2 of ‘The Beneficial Evil.’ Of course, it wouldn’t take long. She was just adding paint to a pre-drawn picture. Nevertheless, her hands moved quickly on the laptop.

-Tap! Tap tap!

She had to finish as quickly as possible so that it could be passed on to the actors after Song Man-woo PD’s approval. Especially for Kang Woo-jin, it had to be passed on faster than anyone else. The overseas location shoot in Bangkok, Thailand, was centered around Kang Woo-jin.

“I wish Woo-jin-nim was a bit more—how should I put it, flashy? No, more like overwhelming.”

He had to handle more than 80% of the added scenes.

Around the afternoon.

Kang Woo-jin, who was given a break during a fashion brand commercial shoot.

-Swish.

He sat down on a waiting chair. As always, his face showed no signs of fatigue, and Jang Soo-hwan, a large man, handed him a bottle of water from behind.

What was interesting was that his smile was deep.

“Hyung-nim [term for older brother or male friend], the donation articles about Jinju just broke!”

That’s right.

『[Official] ‘Kang Woo-jin’ who went to Jinju, donates ‘300 million’ for underprivileged children/Photo』

『Unique brand reputation No. 1 ‘Kang Woo-jin’, generously donates 300 million to his hometown Jinju···”His class is different!”』

『”The size of the donation is also extraordinary”, Kang Woo-jin makes a donation of hundreds of millions in his second year』

Woo-jin’s donation was pouring into the internet, where various issues were rampant. The sheer volume clearly showed how strong the firepower was.

『[Issue IS] Jinju City side on Kang Woo-jin’s 300 million donation, “We express our infinite gratitude to Mr. Kang Woo-jin”』

It was 100% a collaboration between Jinju City and BW Entertainment.

『[Star Photo] ‘300 million donation’ Kang Woo-jin, poses with the mayor of Jinju at the children’s center!/Photo』

The total donation of 300 million was enough to shake the media and public opinion. Wasn’t it? He went to rest and suddenly donated hundreds of millions? It was natural that there was a stir, as Kang Woo-jin was already the number one brand power.

-Wow… Kang Woo-jin is seriously so cool

-LOLOLOLOL His class is on another level LOLOLOLOL He donates 300 million as soon as he goes to his hometown LOLOLOLOL

-Regardless of the amount, the fact that he donated is respectable and amazing

-Kang Woo-jin is seriously so cool… To be honest, even though his current influence is amazing, 300 million in his second year since debut is……

-He goes to his hometown to rest and just throws out 300 million!

-Are the idiots who leave hate comments here even capable of living a normal life??? You guys should donate at least 300 won [Korean currency] before you start talking shit

-The fact that he donates is so cool!!!!

-Isn’t Kang Woo-jin not that old? His personality is also amazing, what is he lacking????

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The news of Kang Woo-jin’s photo taken at the Jinju Children’s Center, BW Entertainment becoming an official sponsor, and the Jinju mayor’s direct interview further amplified the size of Kang Woo-jin’s donation.

300 million was by no means a small amount. No, it was an enormous amount.

It was definitely not an amount that someone in their second year of debut could donate. Anyway, this trend naturally led to the promotion of the works that Woo-jin was in or had been in. The same was true for his social media and ‘Kang Woo-jin’s Alternate Persona’ channel.

『Top Japanese actress ‘Uramatsu Mihuyu’ comes to Korea for ‘Kang Woo-jin’s Alternate Persona’ shoot! Her connection with Kang Woo-jin from ‘The Courtesan’』

Kang Woo-jin’s large donation issue did not cool down immediately.

The next day, on the 29th, when ‘Uramatsu Mihuyu,’ the top Japanese actress with plump lips who played ‘Horinochi Amie’ in ‘The Courtesan,’ came to Korea, it was also hot. Of course, the same was true when she and Woo-jin filmed content for the ‘Kang Woo-jin’s Alternate Persona’ channel.

For several days, various media outlets covered it noisily.

Numerous issues were intertwined.

『From ‘300 million donation’ to top Japanese actress ‘Uramatsu Mihuyu’, is ‘Issue King’ Kang Woo-jin starting again?』

As a result.

“Huh.”

On the morning of the 30th, the last day of June, Kang Woo-jin, who was about to leave his house before going to work, suddenly raised both hands after looking at his phone.

He wasn’t crazy.

“It’s insane.”

Even so, it was understandable. Something that seemed impossible had become a reality.

[Korea’s All-Time Box Office]

[All-Time Movie Ranking (Integrated)]

-1. Island of the Missing / Cumulative Audience: 20,013,889

In other words.

『[Official] Korea’s No. 1 movie in audience numbers, ‘Island of the Missing’ surpasses 20 million viewers, a huge achievement for the Korean film industry!!』

『’Island of the Missing’ achieves 20 million viewers!! ‘Kang Woo-jin’s’ influence overturns the impossible!』

It would have been impossible without Kang Woo-jin.

End