I was Mistaken as a Monstrous Genius Actor [EN]: Chapter 363

When Kang Woo-jin first met Director Ahn Ga-bok, his voice was hoarse. It was largely because he’d been getting home late and sleeping around dawn due to the dragged-out filming of ‘The Righteous Evil.’ Even though he had visited the subspace [a personal mental space where he can relax and review scripts] beforehand, his body was honest.

‘Ugh, damn it, I think I need to go to the subspace more often today? I’m terribly tired.’

He was thinking how great it would be if he could sleep in the subspace, that it would be a total jackpot, when Director Ahn Ga-bok and Choi Sung-gun entered the CEO’s office. His voice was already hoarse, and combined with his character concept, an incredibly low voice came out of Woo-jin’s mouth.

“Director, good morning.”

Even Kang Woo-jin, who had made acting tough a habit, was surprised. Perhaps that’s why Director Ahn Ga-bok, who was shaking hands with Woo-jin and whose face seemed to have gained a few more wrinkles, twitched his brow for a moment. Well, our arrogant monster didn’t particularly care.

Anyway, Woo-jin and Director Ahn Ga-bok sat facing each other.

And then, two stacks of papers were placed on the desk.

‘Oh, as expected.’

Although he maintained a nonchalant expression, inside, Kang Woo-jin immediately recognized what the stacks of papers that Director Ahn Ga-bok had placed were.

‘A script, right? He really brought it. The CEO is amazing.’

It was obvious that what Director Ahn Ga-bok had brought was a Hollywood script. Woo-jin thought the ponytail CEO sitting next to him was amazing. It was the moment when all his deductions came true. Director Ahn Ga-bok, who had no idea, spoke in a polite yet aged voice.

“First, take a look at these. One is in English, and the other is in Korean. You can look at whichever one you prefer.”

‘But this old man, no, Director Ahn, why is he so serious?’ Woo-jin, who thought the atmosphere was quite solemn, lowered his voice even more. He gave a response like, “Understood,” and immediately his gaze moved to the scripts on the desk. Two thick scripts with black rectangles attached.

The title was visible on the cover of the top script.

– ‘Pierrot’

‘Pierrot’? This was another unusual title. Without hesitation, Kang Woo-jin picked up the original English script. Currently, English or Korean was no different to him. Then, he subtly unfolded his index finger while glancing at Director Ahn Ga-bok in front of him. The old fox was looking at Choi Sung-gun next to Kang Woo-jin for some reason.

It was obvious without looking.

Choi Sung-gun would be sparkling his eyes right now. He would be excited and fidgeting. It was the look he always had when a huge opportunity was thrown at Kang Woo-jin. And that was exactly what was happening. Then, Kang Woo-jin’s real time paused for a moment.

-Flip.

For some reason, Kang Woo-jin, who had become even more resolute, turned the pages of the ‘Pierrot’ script. About two pages. Of course, this was just a performance. Soon, Woo-jin looked at Director Ahn Ga-bok across from him and calmly said,

“Director, I will do this project.”

Director Ahn Ga-bok narrowed his brow slightly, and Choi Sung-gun widened his eyes. Kang Woo-jin’s answer was too quick and firm. Director Ahn Ga-bok’s wrinkled mouth opened.

“You’ll do it? Just like that?”

“Yes, Director. Of course, I’m talking about the lead role.”

However, Kang Woo-jin’s firm expression remained unchanged. It was unexpected. That’s what the old director thought.

‘I thought it would take quite some time.’

It was understandable.

It wasn’t like this when he turned the tables with ‘Leech.’

‘…I remember waiting for about a week.’

However, Kang Woo-jin’s answer after seeing the ‘Pierrot’ script didn’t take a few minutes. Director Ahn Ga-bok felt a strange jealousy. Because of Woo-jin’s different appearance from ‘Leech.’ Then and now were clearly different. However, Director Ahn Ga-bok’s jealousy quickly faded. He was looking at the ‘Pierrot’ script in Woo-jin’s hand.

-Swish.

The old fox’s jealousy transformed into great satisfaction and anticipation.

‘This monster must have felt something similar to what I felt when he saw that script.’

It was a feeling that his eye for talent hadn’t aged.

‘Haha, to be influenced by such a young actor in my twilight years. But it doesn’t feel so bad.’

Isn’t that so? Kang Woo-jin had never failed since his debut, and he had caused a sensation at Cannes. Now was the time for him to make a full-fledged overseas advance. He would definitely not choose a project carelessly. He would have to be several times more alert than usual.

Meanwhile, Choi Sung-gun, sitting next to Kang Woo-jin, had his eyes widening even more.

‘Has Woo-jin ever said okay so quickly? This is the first time I’ve seen him so eager.’

No, it was almost the first time ever.

‘Is that script really that insane??! But he hasn’t even looked at many pages?’

Anyway, that script was unusual. At that moment, Kang Woo-jin, who had been silent, opened his mouth.

“I will do it. If there’s an opportunity.”

Director Ahn Ga-bok, who was stroking his wrinkled cheek, slowly replied.

“…There is an opportunity.”

“Yes, that’s why I think you brought the script.”

“To be precise, there’s an opportunity to have an opportunity. Whether you break it or seize it is up to you.”

“I know.”

“But—why did you make a decision so quickly? You answered right after seeing the title and a few pages of the content.”

Why? It was simple. Kang Woo-jin, with his thick poker face, answered. Of course, in his mind.

‘Because I went to the subspace.’

The ‘Pierrot’ he saw in the dark subspace was so good that there was no need to hesitate. But he couldn’t say that. He had to answer vaguely, but Woo-jin didn’t even think about it. He had a cheat key full of misconceptions.

“I had a good feeling.”

Kang totem activated [a reference to his ability to make things happen through his strong will]. With this, Kang Woo-jin’s misconception would become even more solid, but who cares? Soon, silence fell in the CEO’s office. Choi Sung-gun was excited, thinking, ‘As expected! That crazy sense again!’ but the old director Ahn Ga-bok looked straight at Woo-jin’s eyes and then gave a faint smile.

“I’ve seen all kinds of actors, but you are the most unpredictable. But you’re the real deal.”

“……”

“Yes, actors sometimes have to rely on their animal instincts or senses.”

As expected, the misunderstanding deepened. But it seemed like the atmosphere was generally moving on. Then, Director Ahn Ga-bok crossed his arms and spoke to Kang Woo-jin.

“There will probably be a bloodbath, but I hope you’re the one who survives. That’s what I believe.”

Woo-jin’s calm answer was short and clear.

“There won’t be a problem.”

About an hour later.

Director Ahn Ga-bok, who had just left BW Entertainment and come down to the underground parking lot with his team, got into a van. The van departed shortly after, and as it settled into the traffic-filled road.

“……”

Director Ahn Ga-bok, who was staring into space, lost in thought, was cautiously asked by the slightly plump manager.

“Director, did your talk with Kang Woo-jin go well?”

Director Ahn Ga-bok didn’t answer right away. After his characteristic leisurely pause, his wrinkled mouth slowly opened.

“I still have a long way to go.”

“Yes?”

“I’m embarrassed by how much I thought about the ‘Pierrot’ script. Kang Woo-jin, that kid, will probably, no, definitely tear up Hollywood as well.”

“…What exactly did you talk about?”

Director Ahn Ga-bok chuckled.

“It was ordinary. I was the one who was anxious, and Kang Woo-jin was looking several steps ahead. Just like with ‘Leech.’ Only the time was shortened.”

“Is he doing it?”

“He said there wouldn’t be a problem.”

“Huh-”

The manager, who seemed slightly surprised, opened his mouth. When the van stopped at a traffic light, he carefully changed the subject.

“So, Director, when should we announce the ‘Pierrot’ project? Columbia Studios said they would announce the production of ‘Pierrot’ within a few days.”

“What did Columbia Studios say?”

“They said any route is fine. The contract is already done. We can announce it first, or Columbia Studios can announce it at the same time as the production announcement.”

“Do we have the decision-making power?”

“It feels like they’re being considerate. They know that ‘Leech’ is currently being released and that it’s also being released overseas.”

“Hmm-”

Since the conversation suddenly turned realistic, Director Ahn Ga-bok also coldly calculated in his head.

“‘Leech’ is being released in Japan next month, right?”

“Yes.”

“What about France?”

“We’re still coordinating, but it looks like it will be early next year at the earliest.”

For reference, ‘Leech,’ which was currently being released in Korea, was scheduled to be released in Japan next month, and in France and several other countries next year. Soon, Director Ahn Ga-bok made a decision.

“There’s no reason to delay, is there?”

“I think so too. We need to announce this as soon as possible to give ‘Leech,’ which is currently being released domestically, several times more power. Of course, that includes Japan, which is being released next month. France and other overseas countries will probably be a bit weak.”

“It doesn’t matter, it’s being released for symbolic reasons.”

“I’ll prepare properly and announce it as soon as possible!”

The manager, who was writing something on his phone, suddenly became more excited.

“Oh, I’m nervous.”

The surrounding staff also joined in.

“Y-yes, me too. I’m also really looking forward to it.”

“Me too! I’m nervous because it’s the first time I’m experiencing this.”

“How much more will Korea be buzzing??!”

The manager, as if deeply agreeing, said to Director Ahn Ga-bok.

“The first in Korea… a general director of a Hollywood project. It’s overwhelming! There have been a few in Asia, but there are hardly any Asian directors who have worked with a ‘Columbia Studios’ level, one of the Hollywood Big Five!”

“Hmm-”

“Aren’t you being too calm??”

“Well, now that it’s actually happening, it’s surprisingly not a big deal. I must be too old.”

“I… I really never thought this day would come-”

“That sounds like you’re saying I couldn’t do it.”

“Huh??! No, no, no!!”

“I’m just kidding.”

The manager, who had a close call, quickly continued.

“It hasn’t been long since the ‘Palme d’Or’ [the highest prize awarded at the Cannes Film Festival] and ‘Best Actor Award’ at Cannes, so if this project is announced, the media and public opinion will be even more turbulent.”

A staff member added.

“There’s also the insane box office success of ‘Leech’!”

Director Ahn Ga-bok, who was stroking his wrinkled cheek, chuckled.

“That’s right, it’ll be quite noisy. But I think mine is mild.”

“Yes?”

“That monster.”

He knew Kang Woo-jin’s absurd brand power well.

“If Kang Woo-jin moves, wouldn’t he cause several times more frenzy than me? The whole of Korea, I mean.”

At the same time.

A black van had just entered the highway. Kang Woo-jin was inside. His destination was Yeoncheon, Gyeonggi Province. It was for the filming of ‘The Righteous Evil.’ Woo-jin was looking out the window with his legs crossed. His stiff expression was a bonus. His face looked deep in thought.

Choi Sung-gun in the passenger seat glanced at Woo-jin through the rearview mirror.

‘Hmm—he made a decision so coolly, but… he’ll still need to organize his thoughts. It was an unplanned event.’

He was wrong. In fact, Kang Woo-jin was not serious at all right now. He was just looking out the window and thinking about the lunch menu.

‘What’s the lunch menu today? Was it spicy pork? Bulgogi? I can’t resist any kind of meat.’

Then, Kang Woo-jin lowered his gaze. In front of him were the ‘Righteous Evil’ scripts, including the ‘Pierrot’ script that Director Ahn Ga-bok had given him this morning. He picked up the script without much thought.

-Swish.

Come to think of it, it was the first confirmed project from Hollywood.

‘Well, it’s not like it’s been decided that it’s me yet.’

There was also Joseph, but he was still in the middle of writing the script, so he was excluded for now. Whatever it was, the first experience was always nerve-wracking. However, Woo-jin’s feelings as he looked down at the ‘Pierrot’ script filled with English were calm. It was because he couldn’t feel it yet. It might be different when he starts filming somewhere in Hollywood someday.

Then, Kang Woo-jin.

-Swish.

He pretended to flip through a few pages of the ‘Pierrot’ script while raising his index finger. It was to poke the black rectangle attached. He needed to read the ‘Pierrot’ script, but for now, resting in the subspace was more important. Soon, Kang Woo-jin’s vision changed to the vast, dark subspace.

“Augh!!”

Kang Woo-jin, who had thrown away his concept, immediately stretched. As he did, he walked towards the place where several white rectangles were floating. Several works were visible. Starting with ‘Errand Agency’ at the very beginning, then ‘The Strange Gisaeng,’ ‘Leech,’ and ‘The Righteous Evil’ at the very back. The highest grade so far was ‘The Righteous Evil.’

-[9/Script (Title: The Righteous Evil), EX Grade]

It was EX grade. Then, Kang Woo-jin’s gaze moved to the work that had been newly added this morning, the one at the very end of the white rectangles. It was ‘Pierrot.’ Here, Kang Woo-jin recalled one of Director Ahn Ga-bok’s questions during the morning meeting.

‘But—why did you make a decision so quickly?’

Woo-jin, who was smirking, answered in the subspace.

“It would be stupid not to do a project with this grade.”

-[11/Script (Title: Pierrot), EX+ Grade]

‘Pierrot’ had taken the highest grade in the subspace.

End