I was Mistaken as a Monstrous Genius Actor [EN]: Chapter 357

Kang Woo-jin, with a look of deep indifference, was on his way to the salon. He was looking down at his phone, legs crossed. His phone screen was filled with Japanese text. The reason was simple.

‘Wow, this is huge? It’s all about Strange Geisha.’

He was scanning the current media and public opinion in Japan. Today, Tuesday the 26th, was the opening day of ‘Strange Geisha.’ From pre-production until now, it had never been quiet, and with Kang Woo-jin’s influence amplified several times over, the opening of ‘Strange Geisha’ had Japan in an uproar.

‘The main search site is also about Strange Geisha. Ah, but this main article! Why did they use such a bad picture of me??’

All of Japan’s various search sites, as well as social media and many online communities, were filled with ‘Strange Geisha.’ The first screening was scheduled to begin in about an hour. What kind of reaction would there be? During the previews, the reporters and audiences had all sorts of things to say, would it be similar? Woo-jin, with his usual stoic expression, internally pondered the possibilities.

However.

‘Well, the answer will come soon enough.’

Woo-jin quickly shifted his thoughts. The snowball rolling now wasn’t just ‘Strange Geisha.’ There was the Miley Cara news that had broken a few tens of minutes ago, and the domestic release of ‘Leech,’ which was just a day away. There were more than one or two things demanding his attention.

Come to think of it, how is the Cara news doing?

Woo-jin tilted his head internally and casually moved his thumb. Soon, his phone screen changed. It was the article about Miley Cara that ‘Power Patch’ had released earlier. At that moment, Kang Woo-jin was slightly surprised.

‘Wow, the response is insane.’

He was referring to the comments on the article. A few minutes after the article was uploaded, there were over a hundred comments, but now there were hundreds more. Of course, the public’s almost frantic comments were still increasing in real-time.

At that moment.

“Ah, ah! Hyungnim!!”

Jang Su-hwan, whose arm muscles were getting thicker and thicker, who had taken the passenger seat because Choi Sung-gun wasn’t there, closed the diary he was looking at and chimed in.

“All the film festivals have sent offers for the end of the year! The Blue Dragon and Grand Bell Awards, all of them! It’s a bit early, but what can we do? Whether they invite Hyungnim or not is the difference between heaven and earth! The CEO said it would be good to attend both—what do you think, Hyungnim??”

Looking at Jang Su-hwan, who had turned around, Kang Woo-jin replied in a low voice.

“Yeah, it’s okay to attend both.”

“Yes!! Haha, this year’s domestic film festivals will obviously be a party for Hyungnim and your movies, right??”

The stylists chimed into the conversation.

“Definitely, definitely!! ‘Island of the Missing’ broke all the Korean records! And there’s ‘Leech’ too!”

“Even though there’s no luck with the broadcasting side this time, Woo-jin oppa is the top in the movie side!!”

“If things go well, you’ll get three ‘Best Actor’ awards this year! Wow—last year it was the Best New Actor and Best Supporting Actor, and in just one year, Best Actor awards including Cannes! Oppa, you’re a monster!!”

Soon, the van was filled with excitement. Ah—come to think of it, the end of the year was just around the corner. Woo-jin internally exclaimed.

‘Time flies so fast—it feels like yesterday that I was receiving awards at the domestic award ceremonies last year.’

There were two months and a few days left until the new year.

Whatever it was, the domestic entertainment industry at the end of this year.

‘Well, it’s not new, but the end of the year will be terribly busy.’

It was obvious that the storm called Kang Woo-jin would hit hard.

At the same time, in Japan.

Japan was buzzing about ‘Strange Geisha,’ with about an hour left until the first screening on its opening day.

『Controversial 「Strange Sacrifice of a Stranger」 finally opens today, the 26th, with the first screening in an hour, and the reservation rate is number one』

『「Strange Geisha」 whose preview reviews were unusual, what was the adaptation like? You can check it out in theaters starting today』

『「Strange Geisha」 achieves number one in reservation rate as soon as it opens! Are the public curious about the acting of Kang Woo-jin, the ‘Cannes Film Festival’ Best Actor?』

With the first screening of ‘Strange Geisha’ imminent across the country, the Japanese entertainment industry, including the Japanese media, production companies, film companies, and agencies, was buzzing about ‘Strange Geisha.’ Well, it was such a hot movie, so it was only natural.

“This movie is finally opening, there won’t be another movie that’s been this noisy from production to release.”

“Will it do well?”

“For the first day or a few days at most, the audience will flock to it. The original work is by that Akari writer, and director Kyotaro has a name value, right? Above all, Kang Woo-jin. Kang Woo-jin’s pull is enormous, and the other actors are top-tier too.”

“Indeed, it’s the first time in the history of the Japanese film industry that the main lead is a Korean actor.”

“But it’ll sell moderately and then gradually fade. That kind of buzz is only temporary at the beginning, and in the end, the movie has to have solid content.”

“Ah—looking at the reviews of ‘Strange Geisha,’ there are a lot of complaints.”

There were quite a few people who saw it positively, but there were more negative ones. Well, it was a phenomenon that included various emotions. The jealousy of the stagnant water that turned away from change, the antipathy towards Korean actors, the envy of Kang Woo-jin, the ‘Man of Cannes,’ the worry and anxiety of what if it actually does well, and the smokescreen to hide that worry and sincerity.

“I heard that all the reporters who participated in the previews were harshly criticizing ‘Strange Geisha.’”

“The preview audiences were also sharply divided in their opinions.”

“There were a lot of hardcore fans of the original work—but how much did they cut the script to cause such a fuss?”

“I don’t know. However, looking at social media, there are a lot of complaints, saying it’s an absurd movie, that it trampled on the original work, that it’s a movie that makes you feel bad. There are a lot of complaints, which is proof that the content is not good.”

“Hmm, I thought a movie that could beat the theatrical animations would come out for the first time in a while—is it going to be difficult?”

“Still, with the names of the people involved, including Kang Woo-jin, it’ll probably make about 5 million.”

After such a noisy time, it was a little past 9 AM. A familiar woman entered a movie theater in Tokyo. She was Asami Saya, who had done voice acting with Woo-jin in ‘Best Friend: Remake,’ with her dark brown hair tied up and a kind impression. The reason why she, a famous Japanese voice actress, came to the movie theater this morning was simple.

‘Woo-jin’s first movie in Japan. I have to see it with my own eyes.’

As she had a deep connection with Kang Woo-jin, she came to see ‘Strange Geisha’ for the first time on its opening day. Japanese movie theaters were almost identical to Korean movie theaters, except for minor differences. When Asami Saya entered the lobby of the movie theater, she was surprised.

‘There are—more people than I thought?’

The crowd gathered in the lobby in the morning was unexpectedly large. The age range was diverse, but there were more young people. Then, Saya scanned the area around the movie theater lobby. Indeed, there were many billboards and posters for ‘Strange Geisha.’ Most of the people gathered in the lobby must have come to see ‘Strange Geisha’ too, right?

After making her own assumptions, she received her ticket from the self-ticketing machine and moved to the designated theater.

And.

“······Wow.”

As soon as she entered the theater, she opened her mouth slightly. There were more people sitting in the hundreds of seats than in the lobby. It was 10 minutes before the movie started, but half of the audience seats were already filled. Saya, trying to calm her surprised heart, bowed her head and sat in her seat.

She could hear the murmuring of the surrounding audience.

There were many topics, but the name Kang Woo-jin was often included. Some cheered for him, while others cursed him. Ten minutes later.

-Sss.

The lights in the theater went out.

‘It’s starting.’

The first screening of ‘Strange Geisha’ had begun.

At this point, the hundreds of audience seats were almost full.

At the same time, in Korea.

Kang Woo-jin was at a salon in Cheongdam [a wealthy neighborhood in Seoul]. He had a stoic expression, but everything from his hair to his makeup was perfect. Woo-jin was even self-praising his appearance in the mirror.

‘Hmph, not bad.’

The slightly parted bangs and the beige blazer were for the two interviews with overseas media outlets that were about to take place. While Kang Woo-jin was internally admiring his appearance, the salon designers and staff around him had been pouring out questions since earlier.

“Woo-jin-ssi, Woo-jin-ssi! I saw the article that came out earlier, is it true that Miley Cara is actually appearing in your work??”

“Huh? Did such an article come out??”

“Yes, it did! ‘Beneficial Evil,’ the one you’re filming now! There was a picture of a blonde woman in the overseas filming photos, and they said it was Miley Cara??”

“Wow—really! Woo-jin-ssi! Is it true?”

It was an intentional look, but it was a bit annoying for Kang Woo-jin. Well, in times like this, it’s best to answer vaguely with a solemn expression.

“I don’t know. Are you done?”

“······Ah, I’m sorry. Did I make too much of a fuss?”

“No.”

The salon staff, startled by Kang Woo-jin’s stern tone, shut their mouths. However, after Woo-jin left the salon, the talk about Cara quickly spread again.

“This is the article?? Look at the picture, here, here, this woman!”

“Ah—blonde! She really does look a bit like Miley Cara?”

“Nah, no way. There’s no way Miley Cara would film a Korean production.”

“Huh? But I think it looks like Miley Cara?? Look at that bright blonde hair and her figure!”

“It’s probably just a minor actress who looks similar. Seriously, why would someone of Miley Cara’s caliber film something Korean? Looking at this article, it’s all just speculation. It’s just tabloid fodder.”

“Hmm—I guess? And Woo-jin didn’t really react much earlier.”

“But what if that woman really is Miley Cara??”

“That would be totally amazing!! Has a Hollywood superstar ever filmed a Korean production before?”

Meanwhile, at the massive ‘Beneficial Evil’ filming complex in Yeoncheon, Gyeonggi Province, Song Man-woo, the bearded PD [Production Director] of ‘Beneficial Evil,’ was saying,

“Good, good. That’s right.”

He was sitting in front of the monitors, smiling. His gaze was fixed on his phone.

“Keep burning, burn brightly.”

He was watching as numerous media outlets followed the article sparked by the large ‘Power Patch’ [a term for a large, influential media outlet].

『[Issue Pick] Hollywood Superstar ‘Miley Cara’, Suddenly Rumored to Appear in Kang Woo-jin’s ‘Beneficial Evil’?』

『Miley Cara Appears in Leaked ‘Beneficial Evil’ Bangkok Overseas Location Photos, Together in Cannes, Now Together in ‘Beneficial Evil’?』

『Miley Cara, Who’s ‘Chewing Up the Billboard Charts’, in ‘Beneficial Evil’? A Huge ‘Bait’ Spreading Rapidly』

Already, most of the entertainment industry was seeing ‘Miley Cara’ not just emerging, but skyrocketing. It was only natural. It was so absurd and unexpected, but on the flip side, it wasn’t entirely impossible.

If Kang Woo-jin was involved, that is.

However, until now, there had never been a case of a global superstar of Miley Cara’s level appearing in a Korean production. That’s why the media was drooling and rushing in even more.

『Evidence of ‘Miley Cara’ Appearing in ‘Beneficial Evil’ Emerges! / Photo』

『’Miley Cara’ in ‘Beneficial Evil’ Filming Photos, Suddenly! Is Her Appearance Confirmed Due to Her Connection with Kang Woo-jin?』

The media was in an uproar. The public’s reaction was several times more extreme.

-??????Huh????????????????

-What is this tabloid nonsense again ㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ

-OMG, REALLY????!

-↑Is it real ㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ It’s just a lie ㅋㅋㅋ Aren’t the reporters always making stuff up??

-I agree. Why would Miley Cara be interested in a Korean production?? It’s 100% tabloid stuff.

-But looking at the photo in the article, it does look like Miley Cara?? That intense blonde hair!!

-Dude, are there only one or two blonde foreign women? Ugh, seriously ㅋㅋㅋㅋ I wish those reporters would get sued by Cara and get their asses kicked.

-ㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ It’s like a comedy show ㅋㅋㅋㅋ Has Cara gone crazy?? She’s doing so well in Hollywood?

-But it could be Cara. Maybe she worked something out with Kang Woo-jin?

-That’s ridiculous. Miley Cara’s fee is like, how much ㅋㅋㅋㅋ Can they even afford it?

-Miley Cara appearing in ‘Beneficial Evil’ is… seriously amazing… but it’s impossible… it’s probably just a clickbait article.

·

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Not only online, but even in offline conversations at cafes and restaurants, Cara was a hot topic.

“Did you see that Miley Cara is supposed to be in ‘Beneficial Evil’?”

“Huh? What are you talking about? That’s an exaggeration.”

“There’s an article about it??”

“Wow—look at that.”

As such, the speed of the rumor was accelerating like crazy.

『Rumors of ‘Miley Cara’ Appearing Spread Everywhere, but ‘Beneficial Evil’ Side Remains Silent』

『Is Hollywood Star ‘Miley Cara’ Really Appearing in ‘Beneficial Evil’? Kang Woo-jin’s Side Remains Silent』

Both ‘Beneficial Evil’ and Kang Woo-jin remained silent.

While Cara dominated the entertainment news, issues in the domestic film industry were also steadily gaining traction. News of ‘Strange Geisha’ being released in Japan was also visible, of course.

『[Movie Talk] ‘Kang Woo-jin’ Starring ‘Strange Geisha’ Opens Today, SNS Shows Overflowing Audience from First Screening / Photo』

In Korea, ‘Leech’ was still going strong.

『’Leech’, Winner of the Palme d’Or [the highest prize awarded at the Cannes Film Festival], Soars to 50% Reservation Rate, ‘Overwhelming No. 1’』

『[Movie IS] ‘Leech’ Opening Tomorrow Already Showing Signs of Box Office Success… No. 1 in Domestic Pre-sales!』

『’Leech’, Sweeping the Cannes Palme d’Or and Best Actor Award, Finally Opens Tomorrow』

Kang Woo-jin’s power or momentum was also frequently mentioned.

『[Star Talk] ‘Strange Geisha’ in Japan, ‘Leech’ in Korea… ‘Kang Woo-jin’ Releases Blockbuster Movies in Both Countries on the Same Day』

It was an absurd record.

The next day, the 27th. Morning.

Many people connected to Kang Woo-jin were heading to movie theaters. Even if they weren’t connected, many people who had never even seen Woo-jin were flocking to various movie theaters across the country.

Today, ‘Leech,’ which had shined at Cannes and received global acclaim, was released in all domestic movie theaters.

It was a work that had already garnered a lot of attention, so many reporters headed to the movie theaters from the morning. They had to capture the scene and quickly publish articles.

『’Leech’ Starts with 500,000 Reservations and a 77.3% Reservation Rate』

Around this time, a black van had just arrived at the ‘Beneficial Evil’ set. Kang Woo-jin, with an indifferent expression, got out of the van. Today, there was filming for ‘Beneficial Evil’ from the morning.

At the same time.

-Vvvv, vvvvv.

A long vibration rang from Woo-jin’s jeans pocket as he was about to step forward. A phone call. Kang Woo-jin, gesturing to the staff to wait, looked at his phone screen and immediately changed to a solemn expression. Of course, it was also fast.

‘Director Kyotaro—if he’s calling this early, it must be!’

The caller was Director Kyotaro of ‘Strange Geisha,’ who was in Japan. Kang Woo-jin put the phone to his ear and spoke in a low Japanese voice, trying to keep his tone as calm as possible.

“Yes, Director. Hello.”

Director Kyotaro on the other end of the phone sounded very excited.

“Woo-jin! I called as soon as the audience numbers were released! ‘Strange Geisha’s’ first-day audience numbers! 850,000! 850,000!”

850,000 in just one day.

‘Crazy—850,000??!’

Even ‘Island of the Missing,’ which had become the number one movie in Korea’s history, surpassing 20 million viewers, had only 700,000 viewers on its first day.

‘Strange Geisha’ had 150,000 more than that.

Meanwhile, in LA.

In downtown LA, where tall buildings were lined up. Among them, a rather old but busy building. A man with a half-bald head and round glasses, sitting at a desk in an office on the top floor, spoke into his phone.

“Joseph, I’ll take the director’s job for that project. But there’s a condition.”

It was Hollywood mogul, Director Danny Landis.

End