I was Mistaken as a Monstrous Genius Actor [EN]: Chapter 362

Though it was a dark night outside, the set, larger than a logistics warehouse, was dazzlingly bright with lights, bustling with over a hundred staff members. This was the filming location for ‘The Benevolent Evil.’ Song Man-woo PD, sitting among several monitors, stared at Kang Woo-jin, or rather, ‘Jang Yeon-woo,’ in the camera angle, then suddenly shouted, “Cut!! OOOOK!!” As his shout ended, dozens of staff members around him rushed onto the set. Song Man-woo PD then yelled to the staff, “One scene! Just one scene left, let’s hang in there a little longer!!” It was another grueling day. For the actors, including Kang Woo-jin, and for the hundred-plus staff members. However, no one complained. After all, Song Man-woo PD had been pulling all-nighters for days, even while managing both filming and editing. He barely managed to catch some sleep during commutes. Given the situation. ‘Hah- Is it a little stiff?’ Kang Woo-jin, accumulating fatigue, naturally had to appear more composed than anyone else. With his strong persona, he had to project an image of ‘this level of intense work is a piece of cake.’ Well, he had already used the subspace [a fictional space where he can recover his energy] a few times, so he was more than capable of enduring it. -Swish. It was when Kang Woo-jin was sitting on a chair with an indifferent face. “Woo-jin.” A familiar male voice cut in from the side. It was Choi Sung-gun with his ponytail. After wrapping up the accumulated work, he had returned to Kang Woo-jin’s set. However, with the year-end and other commitments, it was difficult to be constantly by his side like before. Anyway, Choi Sung-gun, handing Woo-jin a water bottle, spoke a little quietly. “I got a call from Director Ahn Ga-bok an hour ago, he wants to schedule a meeting with you as soon as possible? Is there anything you’ve discussed with the director?” Ah, I was so out of it that I forgot to mention it. Woo-jin replied in a low voice. “I heard he’s in LA, and I received a message asking for some time when he returns to Korea.” Kang Woo-jin briefly explained his conversation with Director Ahn Ga-bok a few days ago. Whether he had received a Hollywood project, etc. Choi Sung-gun, listening quietly, stroked his chin. “Director Ahn is in LA- and he asked you if you received a Hollywood project?” “Yes.” “Why is he in LA?” “I didn’t hear the details.” “Hmm… Considering there’s no news about it, it seems he left quietly and secretly.” Choi Sung-gun, quickly turning over his thoughts, came to a conclusion. “Maybe he received a directing offer from Hollywood? He won the ‘Palme d’Or’ [the highest prize awarded at the Cannes Film Festival] at Cannes, so it’s definitely possible.” Choi Sung-gun, suddenly smiling, met Kang Woo-jin’s gaze. “And then he comes to Korea and wants to see you right away. This smells like another opportunity, doesn’t it?” Well, he was a bloodhound for that kind of thing. Of course, Kang Woo-jin had also noticed. The bait that Director Ahn Ga-bok had dropped was very clear. “He might even bring a script.” “That’s right. I think so too. It’s not 100%, but if it’s true, this is going to be amazing? Two main figures from Cannes connecting directly to Hollywood? If it leads to an Academy Award… that’s a story worth making a movie about.” “Not bad.” “It’s beyond that, man. Anyway.” Choi Sung-gun, taking out his phone, mentioned that he would ‘schedule a meeting with Director Ahn,’ and then brought up another matter. “Because of ‘The Benevolent Evil’ and the year-end, you’re staying in Korea for a bit, but the scheduled overseas commitments and the ones we’ve kept on hold are piling up. You’ll have to go back and forth soon, and it would be good to decide on a Hollywood project if possible.” “Yes, I understand. Send them as they come.” “Okay. The domestic stuff is a bit tricky at the moment, so I’m prioritizing and filtering everything towards overseas.” It meant he would have to use the private jet like it was a daily meal. Friday, the 5th. The first week of November. Meanwhile, the morning news on a Japanese household TV was all about ‘The Bizarre Sacrifice of a Stranger.’ -[“The box office success of ‘The Bizarre Sacrifice of a Stranger,’ a film adaptation of Takikawa Akari’s original work, is terrifying. It’s been over ten days since its release, but it still holds the top spot in reservation rates, and it’s constantly being mentioned on social media and online communities. What’s unusual is that the controversy and complaints have been growing since its release, but the more that happens, the more the number of viewers for ‘The Bizarre Sacrifice of a Stranger’ skyrockets…”] The conversation of a Japanese family watching it during breakfast. “That movie is getting a lot of flak, but people keep watching it?” “I saw it too, and I thought it was fun. Of course, the ending was a bit shocking.” “How was it?” “It wouldn’t be fun if I told you, Mom and Dad should watch it too. Honestly, it was refreshing. Japanese movies always feel the same.” “The lead is a Korean actor, right? Was it Kang Woo-jin? Doesn’t it feel awkward?” “Not at all. Mom, don’t you know that Kang Woo-jin won Best Actor at the Cannes Film Festival? There are many top actors in ‘The Bizarre Sacrifice of a Stranger,’ like Mana Kosaku, but Kang Woo-jin acted the best.” It had already been 11 days since ‘The Bizarre Sacrifice of a Stranger’ was released, but the fire hadn’t died down. Rather, its impact had grown tremendously, to the point where it was being discussed in households. It was beyond a hot topic; it was closer to a loud phenomenon. The news, various media outlets, and articles reported the real-time power of ‘The Bizarre Sacrifice of a Stranger’ every single day. 『「The Bizarre Sacrifice of a Stranger」Breaks Records, Maintains Top Spot in Reservation Rates for 11 Days』 『Controversial 「The Bizarre Sacrifice of a Stranger」If This Momentum Continues, 10 Million Viewers Are Guaranteed, and Even More Is Possible!』 『Complaints and Controversy Grow Daily, but 「The Bizarre Sacrifice of a Stranger」Continues to Rise in Popularity, Film Critics Say “Unprecedented and Absurd Situation”』 It was natural for it to dominate the main pages of famous Japanese portal sites, and YouTube and social media were all covering ‘The Bizarre Sacrifice of a Stranger.’ Because, in short, the views were racking up quickly. It was proof that people’s attention was focused on it. What was unusual was that in the comments of YouTube videos reviewing ‘The Bizarre Sacrifice of a Stranger,’ in places where movie reviews were posted, and on social media and online communities. -It’s weird, why is this movie still doing so well??? -Honestly… I can understand people flocking to it for about 3 days because of the hype… but it’s been 10 days and it’s still like this… I don’t get it…. -Stop it and admit it! People aren’t stupid! They’re watching it because it’s fun! -The movie ‘The Bizarre Sacrifice of a Stranger’ is definitely fun, but as someone who loved the original work, I still feel betrayed. -Why do people keep watching it when the ending is like that? -The ending, the ending, shut up already, don’t you think you’re stuck in a box? -That’s right, the reason Japanese content is failing is because of people like you. -This movie shouldn’t do well! It’s setting a bad precedent! -It’s already doing well though? -You’re all stupid! · · · · Despite the overwhelming criticism of ‘The Bizarre Sacrifice of a Stranger,’ which had strong likes and dislikes, its momentum was not waning at all. Judging by the atmosphere or the predictions of many media outlets, it should have collapsed a long time ago, but strangely, the runaway train called ‘The Bizarre Sacrifice of a Stranger’ was becoming more monstrous by the day. It had reached the point where even the cell phones of the crowded commuters on the subway were filled with ‘The Bizarre Sacrifice of a Stranger.’ In other words. 『Thanks to 「The Bizarre Sacrifice of a Stranger」, Theaters Are Booming, Crowded with Audiences Every Weekend』 It meant that more and more Japanese people would be heading to the theaters. This situation was quickly confirmed in Korea as well, and Kang Woo-jin, in the van, was desperately trying to suppress the rising corners of his mouth. ‘The momentum is insane. Hehe, burn brightly, burn brightly! SSS-class power!’ However, the corners of his mouth were not just twitching because of ‘The Bizarre Sacrifice of a Stranger.’ ‘Leech,’ which was currently shaking up the domestic film industry, was also included. The difference from Japan was that ‘Leech’ was showing insane box office success without any controversy. 『[Movie Talk] ‘Leech’ Surpasses Ten Days Since Release, Firmly Holds Top Spot in Box Office Despite New Releases!』 『‘Leech’ Still ‘Racing at the Box Office’ 10 Days After Release, Faster Than ‘Island of the Lost’ in Terms of Speed』 The explosive buzz from the Cannes Film Festival had instilled great expectations in the public, and ‘Leech’ did not betray those expectations, so word-of-mouth was also incredibly fast. -10-Minute Summary of Ahn Ga-bok’s Cannes Bomb!｜Movie Picky -‘Kang Woo-jin’s’ Insane Acting!!! Review of the Mega-Hit ‘Leech’!! (Spoilers)｜Movie Watching Monster -[Leech] Analysis, Chilling Foreshadowing & Detailed Summary! There’s a Reason It’s a Hit｜Issue Scoop The box office run of Japan’s ‘The Bizarre Sacrifice of a Stranger’ and Korea’s ‘Leech’ did not seem to be slowing down. Kang Woo-jin was pretending to be indifferent with a tough act, but it was a situation where he couldn’t help but smile. But more than anything, what made him dance inside was the current performance of the two movies. Numbers he had already seen several times but never got tired of. 『「The Bizarre Sacrifice of a Stranger」Surpassed 9.45 Million as of Yesterday, the 4th, 10 Million Confirmed Including Today, the 5th』 ‘The Bizarre Sacrifice of a Stranger’ had a total of 9.45 million viewers in the 10 days up to the 4th, excluding today, the 5th. 『10 Million Viewers Confirmed for 「The Bizarre Sacrifice of a Stranger」, Public Greatly Interested in Final Box Office Results』 The results for today, the 11th day since its release, had not yet been released, but with the reservation rates and other factors, 10 million was already confirmed. ‘The Bizarre Sacrifice of a Stranger’ was easily surpassing or matching the box office records of past Japanese films. The point to focus on here was that most of those past films were animations. It was safe to say that ‘The Bizarre Sacrifice of a Stranger’ was the first movie to generate this kind of explosive power. ‘Okay- next is ‘Leech’.’ Woo-jin, maintaining his persona as much as possible, tapped his phone a few times. The screen quickly changed. [Viewership Count for November 4, 2021] [Daily Domestic Box Office] 1. Leech / Release Date: October 27 / Viewers: 711,055 / Screens: 1354 / Cumulative Viewers: 8,358,754 ‘Leech’ had 8.3 million viewers. It was an incredible achievement in just 9 days. It seemed slightly less than ‘The Bizarre Sacrifice of a Stranger,’ but since its release was a day later, it was similar. ‘Leech,’ which had already surpassed 8.3 million, had the weekend, including today, Friday, right around the corner. At this rate, it would reach 10 million on Saturday. Saturday would be exactly the 11th day since its release. For reference, if things continued this way, ‘Leech’ would reach 10 million faster than ‘Island of the Lost.’ 『‘Leech’ Is Faster Than ‘Island of the Lost,’ Which Reached 10 Million Viewers on the 12th Day of Release!』 『‘Island of the Lost’ Reached 10 Million Viewers on the 12th Day of Release, but ‘Leech,’ Which Is Faster, Could Do It on the 11th Day』 『Will the Rankings of Korea’s All-Time Movies Change Again? At This Rate, the 1st and 2nd Place Will Both Be Kang Woo-jin’s Movies!』 It was just a one-day difference. The next day, Saturday, early morning. BW Entertainment. Around 8 AM. The underground parking lot of BW Entertainment, which was preparing to move its headquarters due to the recent establishment of overseas branches. Despite the early hour, there were quite a few cars in the parking lot. From a gray van that had just stopped in the underground parking lot, an old man got out. -Swish. It was Director Ahn Ga-bok, wearing a light padded jacket in the chilly weather, with short white hair and wrinkles all over his face. He had his characteristic calm face of an old master, and in one hand, he held two thick stacks of papers. Three people approached Director Ahn Ga-bok as he got out of the van. The representative of the management company to which Director Ahn Ga-bok belonged, and a few others. They were the people who had accompanied him to LA. “Let’s go.” Director Ahn Ga-bok, leading the way quietly, stopped in front of the elevator. At this moment, he felt a mixture of anticipation and worry. ‘Haha, this feels like before getting my report card checked.’ It was an emotion that didn’t suit him, a man called the history of Korean cinema. However, Director Ahn Ga-bok didn’t dislike his current mood. No, everything unfamiliar that had arisen since the ‘Cannes Film Festival’ was like that. It felt like a gentle rain soaking into the cracked, dry land. At that moment. -Ding! The elevator that had arrived opened its doors, and a moment later, Director Ahn Ga-bok stepped into BW Entertainment. The office, filled with posters of BW Entertainment’s top stars like Kang Woo-jin, Hong Hye-yeon, and Ryu Jung-min, was quiet. The employees were not yet at work. Soon. “Oh my! Director!” A man’s shout was heard in the quiet office. It was Choi Sung-gun with his ponytail, who had been in the CEO’s office. He had come out slightly, and as soon as he saw Director Ahn Ga-bok, he rushed over. “If you had called, I would have gone out to meet you in advance!” Director Ahn Ga-bok, shaking hands briefly with Choi Sung-gun, showed a wrinkled smile. “There’s no need for that, isn’t it enough that we’ve met?” “I’m sorry.” “Not at all. More importantly, where is Woo-jin?” “Ah, he’s inside.” Choi Sung-gun pointed to the CEO’s office where he had come from, and Director Ahn Ga-bok, nodding slowly, gestured for the people who had come with him to wait for a moment. Then, Choi Sung-gun and Director Ahn Ga-bok entered the CEO’s office side by side. Kang Woo-jin was standing up. “Director, hello.” A low-toned voice. Kang Woo-jin was overall natural, as he had not yet gone to the salon. But to Director Ahn Ga-bok, even his current appearance was radiating an aura. ‘Indeed, he’s become heavier since Cannes.’ Director Ahn Ga-bok extended his hand to Kang Woo-jin. “I’m sorry for bothering you early in the morning when you must be busy.” “It’s alright.” Kang Woo-jin and Director Ahn Ga-bok, after a brief greeting, sat facing each other. Choi Sung-gun was next to Woo-jin. At the same time, Director Ahn Ga-bok placed the two stacks of papers he had brought on the desk. He spoke directly to Kang Woo-jin without beating around the bush. “First, take a look at these. One is in English, and the other is in Korean. You can look at whichever one you prefer.” Director Ahn Ga-bok pushed the two stacks of papers towards Kang Woo-jin across the table. Kang Woo-jin, looking down at the stacks of papers indifferently, replied, “Understood.” As expected, Kang Woo-jin picked up the English one, and for a brief moment, Director Ahn Ga-bok’s gaze reached Choi Sung-gun next to Woo-jin. His eyes were filled with anticipation and excitement. And. -Flip. At the sound of the paper turning, Director Ahn Ga-bok shifted his gaze back to Kang Woo-jin. Kang Woo-jin was reading the stack of papers calmly. Of course, Director Ahn Ga-bok kept his mouth shut. ‘I have to wait now, I have to give that kid enough time.’ Kang Woo-jin turned another page. -Flip. But. “Director.” It hadn’t even been a few minutes, but Kang Woo-jin suddenly answered Director Ahn Ga-bok. His tone was quite low. “I will do this project.” End