I Was Mistaken As A Monstrous Genius Actor [EN]: Chapter 377

Was the Asian actor at ‘Columbia Studios’ really Kang Woo-jin? The towering Joseph looked at the bald Robert, his voice laced with disbelief as he sought confirmation.

“Kang Woo-jin? Are you absolutely sure that Asian actor was Kang Woo-jin?”

Robert shook his head.

“No, I can’t say for certain. The whole thing is just a rumor. But it does seem that Chris Hartnett had some kind of confrontation with an Asian actor. The details are still hazy.”

“…So, that Asian actor…”

“I heard he’s Korean, and the description fits.”

Joseph slowly sank into his chair, stroking his chin as he processed the information.

“It’s highly likely to be Kang Woo-jin—no, it must be him. Not many would dare to confront Chris, especially in front of ‘Columbia Studios,’ and then ask for his name. But Kang Woo-jin, from what I’ve seen, is certainly capable of that.”

Robert, who had been listening intently, held out a tablet.

“I checked some Korean articles.”

The tablet displayed an article translated into English.

『[Exclusive] ‘Kang Woo-jin’ Secretly Takes Private Jet to LA Ahead of Year-End! Is it a Move for Hollywood?』

Joseph scanned the article, sighed, and rubbed his face.

“So, Kang Woo-jin is in LA right now.”

Joseph was now convinced that the Asian actor who clashed with Chris Hartnett was indeed Kang Woo-jin. But that wasn’t his main concern. The crucial point was that Kang Woo-jin had visited ‘Columbia Studios.’ After a moment of thought, he said,

“‘Columbia Studios’ is gearing up for a new movie and is currently holding pre-meetings with potential lead actors. Chris is one of them.”

He continued, his face serious.

“Kang Woo-jin also had a pre-meeting with ‘Columbia Studios.’”

Robert nodded in agreement.

“That’s why their paths crossed.”

“This is… I knew Hollywood would be interested in Kang Woo-jin after Cannes—but ‘Columbia Studios’ so soon?”

“I doubt ‘Columbia Studios’ is the only one who contacted him.”

“Right. At least two, including ‘Columbia Studios.’”

The film company Joseph was targeting for Kang Woo-jin was ‘Universal Movies.’ In other words, two of the ‘Big Five’ studios in Hollywood had already approached Woo-jin, and it wouldn’t be surprising if another one did soon. Three out of the ‘Big Five’—it was unprecedented in Hollywood.

“Moreover, ‘Columbia Studios’ has entrusted the direction of this project to Director Ahn Ga-bok. If Kang Woo-jin is cast as the lead, it would be huge.”

“The two men from Cannes have both made their way to Hollywood. It’s quite a story for the public.”

“I feel the same way. I even watched the Cannes Film Festival in person. But… it’s also a problem.”

For Joseph, time was of the essence. If the production schedules of the film companies overlapped, securing Kang Woo-jin would be difficult. Then, Miley Cara, who had been previously considered, and the renowned director Danny Landis would also be out of the picture. If those three slipped away, the situation would quickly fall apart.

“Check with ‘Columbia Studios’ immediately, and stir up the other ‘Big Five’ studios as well.”

Joseph picked up his phone.

“I’ll try to arrange a meeting with Kang Woo-jin.”

Meanwhile,

In a medium-sized meeting room at the sprawling ‘Columbia Studios,’ which resembled an amusement park, about 20 people were gathered. Among them, the wrinkled face of Director Ahn Ga-bok stood out. This meeting was for the movie ‘Pierrot.’

Director Ahn Ga-bok sat at the head of the U-shaped table, followed by the main producer, the casting director and their team, and various executives.

They were engaged in a heated discussion about the pre-meetings they had recently held with the main actor candidates for ‘Pierrot.’

“Despite some concerns, I still think we should call Chris for an audition.”

“I agree. He showed a lot of enthusiasm during the meeting.”

“What do you think, Director?”

Director Ahn Ga-bok felt the same way.

“Chris is a great actor. His career and market recognition prove that. It would be a waste not to see his performance because of a minor concern. I think an audition and a screen test are in order.”

The discussion revolved around the top Hollywood actors nominated for ‘Pierrot,’ including Chris Hartnett, who had the run-in with Kang Woo-jin. They talked about their past, present, rumors, scandals, their work, and even the atmosphere of the pre-meetings.

“But should we just ignore the rumors about Chris and Kang Woo-jin?”

“That’s just a minor incident. We can handle it by keeping it quiet.”

“Right, if we make it an issue, it might create unnecessary rumors.”

In the meantime, one person was eliminated from the pre-meetings.

“Let’s postpone Bruce for now.”

“Well, there was no problem in the pre-meeting, but his private life is too messy.”

“If something happens during filming, it’ll be a headache.”

Thus, the number of candidate actors for ‘Pierrot’ was reduced from six to five. Now it was time to decide on the final actor. Director Ahn Ga-bok and the female producer flipped through the tablet screens. Kang Woo-jin’s picture appeared.

“Kang Woo-jin—hmm.”

One of the ‘Columbia Studios’ executives stroked his chin.

“I’m still unsure about him. Is he confident or arrogant? There’s a fine line between being assertive and being presumptuous.”

“It didn’t seem like Kang Woo-jin was very interested in ‘Pierrot’ either. In fact, he said he wouldn’t regret not joining ‘Pierrot’ at all.”

“He even said that we would regret it. He seemed a bit dismissive.”

Two executives were slightly negative about Kang Woo-jin. Of course, there were also those who were in favor.

“Well, he definitely seemed ambitious. Otherwise, he wouldn’t have come straight from Korea for the pre-meeting. And he knew the details of the project very well during the meeting.”

“I agree. He seemed a bit presumptuous at times, but that meant that the burden and tension we were worried about with Kang Woo-jin didn’t exist at all. He’s an unpredictable character, but that’s what makes him so attractive, isn’t it?”

The executives were divided. Director Ahn Ga-bok, who had been listening quietly, joined in.

“His personality might seem a bit unique, but his acting skills far surpass such trivial matters. That’s why he won the Best Actor award at Cannes in just his second year of debut. I know him best here, and I fully understand what Kang Woo-jin said. If we miss him, at least I will regret it.”

The meeting room buzzed slightly. The female producer in charge of ‘Pierrot’ interjected.

“Aren’t you curious at this point? What does Kang Woo-jin have that makes him so eccentric?”

Everyone, including the executives, slowly nodded. They were definitely curious. How great was he to say to their faces, ‘If you miss me, you’ll regret it’? Then the female producer spoke again.

“I think that alone is enough reason to call him for an audition.”

A few days later, in Korea.

From morning, the domestic media and public were buzzing about a single actor. The situation had reached a point where tabloids, clickbait, and rumors were rampant.

『[Star Talk] Miley Cara’s Photo with Kang Woo-jin Uploaded on SNS… ‘Kang Woo-jin’ May Not Have Gone to LA Because of Hollywood Love Call』

『Rumors of ‘Kang Woo-jin’ Appearing on US Talk Show, This Trip to LA Seems to Be for Overseas Talk Show Appearance, Not a ‘Hollywood Project Meeting’』

It was all about Kang Woo-jin.

『‘Cannes Best Actor,’ Interview Schedules Related to ‘Miley Cara’… When Will Kang Woo-jin Return from LA?』

The timing was perfect, and he had left for LA without a word, so initially, rumors of Woo-jin’s Hollywood advancement were rampant. But about a week later, the situation was completely different. The ‘Hollywood advancement’ rumors about Kang Woo-jin were just that—rumors.

Of course, there were reasons for that.

The fact that Kang Woo-jin remained silent, and that he met Miley Cara and had interviews with overseas media in LA, naturally weakened the ‘Hollywood advancement’ rumors. It was just that Woo-jin’s trip to LA was to fulfill pre-arranged schedules, nothing more, nothing less.

Well, if Hollywood advancement was confirmed, Kang Woo-jin’s agency wouldn’t have stayed quiet.

But BW Entertainment was also too quiet.

But as always, issues without clear facts sell better. The domestic public.

“Ah—it seems like Kang Woo-jin isn’t filming a Hollywood movie.”

“What? Didn’t articles say he was having meetings with Hollywood a few days ago?”

“Ugh, but now there are articles saying he just fulfilled overseas schedules.”

“The reporters are just being reporters again. See, I told you? It’s too early for Kang Woo-jin to advance to Hollywood. Maybe next year or the year after.”

In other words, the public was busy tearing apart and chewing on Kang Woo-jin.

-I knew it, the hype was crazy, right? LOL

-Director Ahn’s career is amazing, but Kang Woo-jin is only in his second year, so Hollywood advancement is BS LOLOLOLOL

-How do you explain Kang Woo-jin winning the Best Actor award at Cannes in those two years?

-↑Exactly LOLOLOLOL, it’s pathetic to see how hard the haters are trying to find something to criticize….

-Honestly, with the tension Kang Woo-jin has shown so far, Hollywood advancement is totally possible LOLOLOLOL, what do you mean it’s not possible LOLOLOLOL

-Kang Woo-jin is just staying still, but it’s a rare phenomenon that the media and public are making a bigger fuss

-LOLOLOLOL, he won the Best Actor award at Cannes, but they’re saying it’s hard for him to get even a supporting role in Hollywood? Is that even logical LOLOLOLOL

-Do you guys think Hollywood is some kind of pushover? LOLOLOLOL

And around this time, hundreds of reporters were gathered at the arrival hall of Incheon Airport. Of course, there were even more onlookers than reporters. It was thanks to the information they had received in advance.

“It’s time, when is he coming out??”

“Was there any talk of a delay? Could it be that the flight didn’t take off from LA?”

“No, I heard he departed.”

The protagonist of that information soon appeared.

“Ah!! There! He’s out!!”

A man wearing a hat pulled low, with a stoic expression, was visible among dozens of team members and guards. It was Kang Woo-jin.

Soon, hundreds of reporters surged forward.

“Woo-jin-ssi!! Kang Woo-jin-ssi!!”

“This way! Please look this way!! Say hello! Say hello!!”

“Kang Woo-jin-ssi!! What kind of schedule did you have in LA!!”

“Is it true that you had no contact with any Hollywood film companies??!!”

Kang Woo-jin, who had secretly left for LA, had returned to Korea.

Two days later, in the morning.

The audience seats were full in the largest theater inside a large movie theater in Gangnam. All 300 seats were occupied. The people who took their seats were all different: reporters, film critics, film industry officials, etc.

And on the large screen in front, a familiar poster and title were displayed.

-‘A Stranger’s Bizarre Sacrifice’ Premiere.

It was the premiere of the Japanese movie ‘A Stranger’s Bizarre Sacrifice,’ which would be officially released next week. It was sold out, as it was a hit in Japan and even in Korea, with over 23 million viewers, thanks to Kang Woo-jin and others. What was unusual was that all the audience members were looking at the screen, eagerly waiting for someone.

Who else could it be?

Before the movie screening, there was a stage greeting for ‘A Stranger’s Bizarre Sacrifice,’ so they were eagerly anticipating the main characters.

Right then.

-Swoosh.

The main actors of ‘A Stranger’s Bizarre Sacrifice’ entered the front of the theater, where over 300 audience members were gathered. The first to be seen was a familiar man with short, graying hair. It was the Japanese master director Tanoguchi Kyotaro. He, the director of ‘A Stranger’s Bizarre Sacrifice,’ had appeared in a Korean movie theater.

Soon.

-Flash! Flash!

The reporters frantically flashed their cameras. Director Kyotaro’s visit to Korea was not a frequent occurrence. But the reporters’ camera angles quickly shifted. From Director Kyotaro to the man behind him, wearing a black double coat with an indifferent face.

It was Kang Woo-jin, who played ‘Iyota Kiyoshi.’

As soon as Kang Woo-jin appeared after Director Kyotaro, the speed at which the reporters pressed the shutter button doubled. It was a common sight, but Woo-jin narrowed his brows for a moment.

‘Ugh—damn, it’s blinding. I really can’t get used to this?’

But his expression was more solemn than ever. Behind Woo-jin, a familiar top Japanese actor was seen. It was Mana Kosaku. In other words, all the Japanese actors of ‘A Stranger’s Bizarre Sacrifice’ had come to this theater in Gangnam.

-Flash! Flash! Flash!

The flashes became more and more intense. It was at this moment.

-Buzz.

The cell phones of the reporters, who were busy taking pictures of Kang Woo-jin or the main actors of ‘A Stranger’s Bizarre Sacrifice,’ began to vibrate as if they had planned it.

-Buzz.

But most of the reporters were focused on taking pictures for now. However, a female reporter sitting in the front row, directly in front of Kang Woo-jin, who was wearing a coat, checked her phone.

“Huh??”

She was a little surprised. It was understandable. She had received more than five messages from the editor-in-chief. Was it urgent? The female reporter quickly checked the messages and her mouth dropped open. Then she quickly turned her gaze to Kang Woo-jin in front of her.

The female reporter looked at Woo-jin and suddenly shouted.

“Kang Woo-jin-ssi! Is it true that you’ve been nominated as a candidate for a ‘Columbia Studios’ project??!! And as the lead role??!”

These words were displayed on her phone screen.

-‘Columbia Studios’ Announces Lead Role Candidates for New Movie, Total of 5, Including 4 Hollywood Top Actors and Kang Woo-jin, Official!

In an instant, the gaze of everyone gathered in the theater, including Director Kyotaro, moved from the reporter to Kang Woo-jin. On the other hand, Woo-jin’s answer was very calm.

“It’s true, but this isn’t the place to talk about it.”

End