I was Mistaken as a Monstrous Genius Actor [EN]: Chapter 374

The ‘Columbia Studio,’ a massive amusement park with over a dozen sets, was so large it was considered one of Hollywood’s ‘Big Five’ [the five largest and most influential film studios]. In fact, this magnificent film studio was a famous tourist attraction in LA. Of course, the ‘Big Five’ studios, including ‘Walt Disney Pictures,’ were the same.

Therefore, ‘Columbia Studio’ was often crowded with tourists in areas where filming wasn’t taking place.

However, even though it resembled a city-like amusement park, ‘Columbia Studio’ clearly had main buildings, and in those buildings, the film studio staff were working diligently. Whether they were in the planning, production, or post-filming stages, there were obviously numerous projects in development.

And ‘Pierrot’ was among them.

“Thank you for your hard work.”

“Yes, let’s meet again soon.”

“I’ll be in touch.”

In a medium-sized conference room adorned with posters of ‘Columbia Studio’s’ past hits and several foreigners, a meeting had just concluded.

Foreigners with business smiles shook hands, and some exited the conference room. Now, seven people remained in the conference room. Naturally, they were the core members of ‘Pierrot.’ A woman with a strong presence, the general producer of ‘Pierrot,’ and two executives, including a bald man, a man with short brown hair who was the casting director, and a team member.

And finally.

“Director, what did you think?”

“Hmm—that actor is more composed than I expected.”

“Right? He often plays playful characters, so he has a cheerful image, but in reality, he’s not that energetic.”

It was the veteran director Ahn Ga-bok, wearing a slightly bulky field jacket. He had recently begun to fully participate in the production of ‘Pierrot,’ and just now, he had a preliminary meeting with one of the candidate actors for the male lead. Of course, the actor who had just left was a top Hollywood actor. He had received confirmation regarding the audition and screen test. Soon, the casting director with short brown hair lowered his tablet and chimed in.

“He seems to have no major issues, given his experience, but there were still some weaknesses.”

The executives agreed.

“Indeed, there was a hint of apprehension in his demeanor.”

“He’s always been a somewhat fragile actor. A few years ago, he couldn’t recover from the emotions of a role and took about a year off, right?”

“That’s right, it’s a well-known story in this industry. His focus on acting is commendable, but he gets too immersed and struggles to detach himself.”

“That incident might have left him with some trauma.”

For reference, these preliminary meetings with actors, though seemingly casual, held significant weight. It was practically a final check. The meetings and conversations with the actors were just a formality. They had already completed various verifications and investigations, but the ‘final’ check on the actor’s recent form, psychology, appearance, and personality was crucial. This was also included in the scoring, of course.

“But he recovered, didn’t he?”

“Can we really say he recovered? All the projects he’s taken on since that incident have been comedies.”

Therefore, the core members of ‘Pierrot’ thoroughly analyzed the actor from just now. There was no hesitation. At this point, director Ahn Ga-bok, who was stroking his wrinkled cheek, spoke in a low voice.

“…His ‘comedic’ aspect is why he was considered for our project, but the comedy in ‘Pierrot’ is merely a facade. Ultimately, the clarity of the ‘tragedy’ is key. The presence of even a slight risk is a flaw.”

When his words were conveyed through the interpreter, most of them nodded. They probably felt a sense of ‘indeed.’ Director Ahn Ga-bok was the general director of ‘Pierrot’ and a veteran among veterans. Although the production systems of Korea and Hollywood were different, he was clearly seeing the movie ‘Pierrot’ more clearly than anyone else while adapting.

Around this time.

-Swish.

The female producer sitting next to director Ahn Ga-bok checked the time.

“It’s almost time for the next candidate.”

The casting director and executives tapped on the tablets in front of them. The actor being displayed changed.

“Kang Woo-jin, he’s the most unique among the candidate actors.”

Kang Woo-jin, who was considered the weakest in Hollywood among the candidate actors.

“Did you get a call that he arrived?”

“I’ll check.”

After the casting director left the conference room, the bald executive spoke again.

“He’s the most perplexing actor. Yet, he also seems the most suitable.”

“Hmm, his profile is definitely different from the other actors. The only Korean actor, short career, unconventional path. His acting style is also unique.”

“Since his profile is different, there’s a lot to consider, especially his short acting career has been bothering me.”

“And his lack of experience in Hollywood.”

The executives with their arms crossed and the female producer began to enthusiastically evaluate Kang Woo-jin.

“Conversely, the results Kang Woo-jin has achieved in that short time are remarkable. It’s rare to see an actor with that much intensity in Hollywood.”

“Hmm—it’s a unique filmography. His acting in ‘Leech’ was also fantastic. However, since it’s his first experience in Hollywood, he might seem a bit nervous today.”

“It wouldn’t be surprising if he was nervous.”

“Not only is Hollywood unfamiliar to him, but there’s also the pressure of being the ‘first’ Korean actor.”

“But he seemed calm during his acceptance speech at Cannes?”

“He might have been more comfortable then, since he had experience with Korean film festivals.”

Harsher conversations continued even before seeing Kang Woo-jin. On the other hand, although he was somewhat fluent in English, he listened to the interpreter for clarity.

“…”

The veteran director Ahn Ga-bok was silently listening. Or rather, he was holding back a smile. He was the only one in this conference room who knew Kang Woo-jin well, and the words like ‘nervous’ or ‘pressure’ in their conversation were laughable to him.

‘He’s using Cannes as a stepping stone, there’s no way he’d be fazed by this.’

Kang Woo-jin, as director Ahn Ga-bok had observed him, was a man who wouldn’t be fazed even if he suddenly fell into space. But he didn’t particularly join the conversation.

‘Experiencing it firsthand is what makes it memorable.’

It was intentional.

It was to present a bizarre new world to these arrogant, ignorant foreigners who had not yet experienced Kang Woo-jin. At this point, the female producer asked director Ahn Ga-bok.

“Director, what kind of actor do you think Kang Woo-jin is?”

In fact, the producer and executives of ‘Pierrot’ avoided asking director Ahn Ga-bok about Kang Woo-jin’s intentions. Since they were both Korean and he had seen Woo-jin since ‘Leech,’ there was a possibility of a biased evaluation. It was unnecessary in this process where fairness was key.

Nevertheless, the producer asked the question to gauge how much director Ahn Ga-bok thought of Kang Woo-jin.

Director Ahn Ga-bok stroked his chin.

Well, how should he explain him?

‘No backing down’? ‘My way or the highway’? ‘Arrogant monster’? Several words flashed through his mind, but director Ahn Ga-bok decided on simplicity.

“A weirdo. Kang Woo-jin is a weirdo.”

A weirdo? The female producer and executives tilted their heads slightly at the answer, but.

‘A weirdo—’

They concluded arbitrarily.

‘He must be a bit unique.’

It was the wrong conclusion.

At the same time, outside the conference room.

A van was driving on the internal roads of the massive ‘Columbia Studio,’ which was like an amusement park.

-Screech.

It stopped in front of a large building. It was the heart of ‘Columbia Studio,’ where many practical decisions were finalized. A van stopped in a place where many foreigners were still coming and going, and the cynical Kang Woo-jin got out. Following behind him was Choi Sung-gun with his ponytail.

Then.

-Swish.

Woo-jin, looking at the tall building in front of him, showed no change in expression. Because that was how he actually felt.

‘Something—the main headquarters building is boring?’

The beige-toned building was tall, but because the things he had seen on the way here were so amazing, the headquarters building itself didn’t impress him. Still, watching the busy foreigners was interesting.

What should he say?

‘Wow—damn, that old man’s mustache is awesome!’

They were full of individuality? Anyway, Choi Sung-gun, who was behind him, said to Kang Woo-jin.

“Let’s go, if we go to the lobby, a staff member will come out soon.”

“Yes, CEO.”

Kang Woo-jin and Choi Sung-gun, who answered in a low voice, stepped onto the stairs leading to the building entrance.

“Huh?”

Choi Sung-gun stopped, looking up. At the same time, Kang Woo-jin also raised his head. A foreign man who had just come out of the building was visible. But he had an extraordinary aura.

Moreover.

‘Huh?? What is it, that cool guy—I feel like I’ve seen him somewhere.’

He was also a very familiar face. Woo-jin kept a poker face while racking his brain. Where had he seen him? He had no foreign friends. And this was ‘Columbia Studio,’ the largest film studio in Hollywood. Then there was only one answer.

‘A Hollywood actor?? That’s right! An actor!’

That was exactly the feeling. He wasn’t very interested in Hollywood, so he didn’t remember the name, but he knew that he was very famous both in Korea and here. At this point, Kang Woo-jin vaguely remembered a scene from a movie that the Hollywood actor had appeared in, although he had forgotten the movie title. It was definitely a huge hit movie.

At the same time.

“Wow—it’s definitely ‘Columbia Studio.’ To see a Hollywood super top actor like that so easily?”

Choi Sung-gun exclaimed softly.

In fact, there was no one who didn’t know the Hollywood male actor coming down the stairs. Not here, not in LA, not even in the entire United States. His recognition was tier 1 worldwide, including Korea. As an actor, he was similar to Miley Cara? That’s why many foreigners were sticking to him. They could be his team members or ‘Columbia Studio’ staff.

Kang Woo-jin’s curiosity amplified instantly, but.

-Swish.

At times like this, he had to show a more dignified appearance.

‘Pretending not to look.’

Kang Woo-jin, who had started acting tough, pretended not to be interested and started climbing the stairs again. Choi Sung-gun, who had been watching the Hollywood actor for a moment, also came to his senses and moved his feet. In a few steps, the Hollywood actor and Kang Woo-jin were close. They were within arm’s reach, but Woo-jin didn’t even glance at him.

At this moment.

“You’re right.”

The Hollywood male actor, who had brushed past Kang Woo-jin, stopped. Then, he suddenly spoke to Woo-jin. Of course, it was in English.

“I know you, Kang Woo-jin. The Korean actor. The one who made a splash at Cannes. I wasn’t there, but I saw the video. Congratulations on winning Best Actor at Cannes.”

He had just finished his preliminary meeting for ‘Pierrot’ and was one of the six candidates. He smiled casually. Choi Sung-gun with his ponytail flinched in surprise. Kang Woo-jin, who had a poker face, was inwardly impressed.

‘Damn, he’s so handsome.’

He was taller than Kang Woo-jin, and his brown hair was naturally swept back. His features were distinct, especially around his eyes. His dark brown eyes and the shape of his eyes were captivating? Anyway, he had a look that could never be seen in Korea. The Hollywood actor exuded an aura worthy of being a top star.

Thanks to that, the attention of the people around them was focused on them.

At the Hollywood actor’s words, his team members and the surrounding foreigners looked at Kang Woo-jin and whispered.

“Best Actor at Cannes? Then is that man Kang Woo-jin?”

“Is that the Korean actor who said he was aiming for an Academy Award in his acceptance speech?”

“I think so, I saw him in Miley Cara’s music video.”

“Are you sure? But why is that actor in LA?”

The atmosphere was strange, but Kang Woo-jin, who was deeply into his concept, turned to the Hollywood actor. Then, Woo-jin answered him in a low voice in English.

“Thank you for the congratulations.”

“I also liked the song you did with Miley. I saw it in the video, but you speak English very well.”

“I can communicate adequately.”

“Haha, is that so?”

At this moment, Choi Sung-gun wanted to take a picture of the scene right away. The sight of the Hollywood top actor and Kang Woo-jin among the many foreigners was very natural.

‘That top star is greeting our Woo-jin so casually!’

Soon, the Hollywood actor smiled and extended his hand to Kang Woo-jin.

“Woo-jin, you’re quite famous among the actors here, nice to meet you.”

Kang Woo-jin took his hand.

“Nice to meet you.”

“But your acceptance speech about aiming for an Academy Award was a bit much. My fellow actors were quite upset. It sounded like you were disregarding the Academy Awards. It’s good to be confident, but too much can be excessive.”

He spoke casually, then took a step closer to Woo-jin while still holding his hand and whispered.

“I heard that you’re a candidate actor for ‘Pierrot,’ and so am I. But I have no intention of giving this movie to another actor.”

“…”

Woo-jin, who heard his whisper, tilted his head inwardly. It was a bit out of the blue. Does my image here seem a bit bad? Enough for a Hollywood superstar to say it openly. What is it? Is it some kind of power play? Honestly, Woo-jin didn’t know much about Hollywood top stars other than Miley Cara.

Hollywood is vast.

There are many top stars, and they all have different personalities. Not everyone would be as friendly to Woo-jin as Miley Cara. No, most of the Hollywood top stars probably had negative feelings towards Kang Woo-jin right now.

Whether the acceptance speech at Cannes was a rumor or a fact, it would have permeated them.

In the eyes of these Hollywood top stars, Woo-jin was just an Asian actor who had somehow won Best Actor at Cannes by luck and had made a name for himself in a small country.

Then, unlike Woo-jin, the Hollywood actor, who was known worldwide, whispered again.

“I don’t know why ‘Columbia Studio’ chose you as a candidate, but this Hollywood will be more difficult than you can imagine.”

After speaking, he moved a little away from Woo-jin and smiled again with a relaxed expression. He was still holding Kang Woo-jin’s hand.

“Then, see you again. I hope we meet in a project next time, Woo-jin.”

He tried to let go of the hand he was holding. However.

-Swish.

Woo-jin didn’t let go. Woo-jin’s face, with a bit of force in his hand, was filled with rough indifference. Because he had activated his ‘Beast Mode’ ability.

Then, Kang Woo-jin, with the eyes of many foreigners focused on him, whispered to the Hollywood actor in a low tone of English.

“By the way, what’s your name?”