I was Mistaken as a Monstrous Genius Actor [EN]: Chapter 389

Song Man-woo PD looked utterly exhausted, as if he might collapse at any moment. Yet, his voice was firm as he spoke into his phone.

“The editing is finished.”

Around him, the editors silently clenched their fists, while others sighed in relief and ran their hands through their hair. It was the end of a long, grueling period.

However, Song Man-woo PD’s serious expression didn’t change. Kim So-hyang, the general director, responded from the other end of the line, her tone slightly surprised.

“…What? Really? Already?”

She was questioning whether the editing of ‘The Benevolent Evil’ had finished so quickly. Song Man-woo PD rubbed his face as he replied.

“Yes, it just finished.”

“It finished much faster than I expected.”

“Indeed.”

“According to what you said before, there should still be another week left.”

In early January, Song Man-woo PD had told Kim So-hyang that the remaining editing would take two weeks, and the final touches would take one week. That was after their sneak peek of ‘The Benevolent Evil.’ By that calculation, it should have been completed by the end of January. But Song Man-woo PD had finished almost a week early.

He slowly rose from his chair and explained his reasoning.

“It wouldn’t be good if the editing finished too close to the February 3rd launch. More importantly, Woo-jin’s current situation is a major factor.”

“Ah-”

Even though he had been holed up in the editing room, the stubble-faced Song Man-woo PD had kept up with all the news, including those related to Kang Woo-jin, Miley Cara, and others. He had even heard about the simultaneous release of ‘The Stranger’ and ‘Leech,’ as well as the ‘Clown’ and ‘Beauty and the Beast’ projects. When he learned that Woo-jin was a candidate for the ‘Beast’ role, Song Man-woo PD had been astonished.

But only for a moment.

“Missing this opportunity would be foolish… I’m sorry. We need to capitalize on this incredible momentum. So, I poured in several times more effort, both in time and energy.”

“Are you okay?”

“I’m managing. Anyway, Woo-jin’s current buzz will shake not only Korea and Japan but also overseas. If we combine that with the promotion and marketing of ‘The Benevolent Evil’ during this time…”

“It will naturally become a global promotion.”

“Exactly. We can’t waste a single day of that.”

‘The Benevolent Evil’ already had a decent level of international recognition due to Kang Woo-jin’s appearance at Cannes and Miley Cara’s involvement. It had garnered some attention. However, the current momentum was on a different level. Kang Woo-jin’s name was being discussed globally as a candidate for the ‘Beast’ role. Whether the expectations were high or he was facing criticism, the global public was intensely curious about Kang Woo-jin.

On top of that, several issues had converged.

His bold statement at the Cannes award ceremony about aiming for an Academy Award, and his confirmation as a candidate for ‘Clown’ and ‘Beauty and the Beast.’ The ‘Beast’ role announcement was the catalyst, but if ‘The Benevolent Evil’ were to surface during this period…

‘Probably. No, 100% everyone will be interested in ‘The Benevolent Evil.”

Kang Woo-jin? Who is that actor? Why is he turning Hollywood upside down? Just as they ask that, ‘The Benevolent Evil’ would appear and be in the spotlight. This Korean production also includes Miley Cara, a candidate for ‘Beauty Bella,’ so the effect would be doubled. Whether this massive promotional effect lasts for three days or five days makes a huge difference.

Knowing this, Song Man-woo PD had already been pushing himself, but he poured even more time and energy into it.

And he barely managed to finish it on time.

Then, Kim So-hyang, the general director on the phone, asked cautiously.

“How… how is the quality?”

It was a question just in case. She knew Song Man-woo PD was a perfectionist, but people sometimes overlook their own mistakes when they’re in a hurry. However, Song Man-woo PD answered without any hesitation.

“I guarantee the quality with my name on it. Don’t worry and proceed with the scheduled plans starting today.”

“Yes, I will, PD-nim.”

“I’ll also send over the teasers and trailers today.”

After a brief conversation, Song Man-woo PD, who had sunk back into his chair, changed the subject.

“Everyone needs to be confident to have the energy, so instead of a sneak peek like last time, it would be good to have a pre-launch test day before the official launch. Just watching the first or second episode would be enough.”

It was like having a test screening for a movie. Kim So-hyang on the phone seemed to agree.

“Would you? Then let’s gather just our Netflix team, writer Choi, and the actors.”

“We’ll have to skip the people who can’t make it due to their schedules—but personally, I’d like Woo-jin to attend.”

“Ah—Woo-jin. Hmm, he’s so busy right now.”

“I’ll contact him. As far as I know, Woo-jin is leaving for LA on the 20th. So, if possible, the test might have to be tomorrow, the 19th. Of course, I’ll also ask the other actors for their opinions.”

“So soon? Is that possible?”

At the question, Song Man-woo PD chuckled.

“If a world star is coming, we have to make it happen even if it’s in an hour.”

Several tens of minutes later.

The time was around 3 PM. At a commercial filming location in Seoul. The filming was already past the midpoint, and Kang Woo-jin was visible on one side of the set.

“…”

He was sitting on an actor’s chair, legs crossed, looking down at his phone. It was a short break. His concept was strong, as always. It was a commercial shoot for a luxury brand, and the leather jacket he was wearing looked expensive. Currently, Woo-jin was checking various news with a serious expression. Domestic, Japanese, and overseas media.

‘It’s so noisy. I thought it would calm down in a few days, but it’s the opposite?’

As Woo-jin muttered to himself, someone approached him. It was Choi Sung-gun, with his thick padding and ponytail.

“Woo-jin-ah.”

At his appearance, Kang Woo-jin lowered his voice as much as possible.

“Yes, PD-nim.”

“These are the outfits requested for the ‘Clown’ audition and screen test. Will this be enough?”

Choi Sung-gun handed over a tablet. Woo-jin, with a poker face, quickly scanned the contents. The outfits he had requested a few days ago were being displayed. Soon, Kang Woo-jin.

‘Hmm—this should be enough?’

He nodded solemnly.

“Yes, it’s sufficient.”

“Don’t you need anything else? What about makeup?”

“I don’t plan on doing any makeup.”

“Just the outfits? You’re not going to do face makeup like the ‘Clown’?”

“Yes, I’m just going to do it as myself.”

It seemed they were talking about the ‘Clown’ audition and screen test. It would be good if everything was prepared, from outfits to makeup, but Kang Woo-jin refused the makeup part. Of course, he had made a decision.

‘It’s better to go as myself, not as the character of ‘Clown.”

He had already made some plans regarding the audition and screen test. Soon, Choi Sung-gun took back the tablet, as if he understood.

“Okay, I got it. The outfits will be ready by tomorrow. The team is getting them, so they’ll bring almost the exact same ones.”

“Yes, CEO-nim.”

Choi Sung-gun swallowed hard after hearing the answer.

“Ugh, is it really less than a week now? It’s so nerve-wracking. Of course, it’s just me, right? You look perfectly fine. Because you, the person involved, are so calm, me and the team are dying more.”

“Is that so?”

No, Kang Woo-jin wasn’t perfectly fine either.

‘Honestly, how can I be okay?? The thought of the audition makes my tension skyrocket.’

He was nervous. He was definitely nervous, but it wasn’t from fear. It was exhilaration? Something similar to that.

It was at that moment.

-Vrr, vrr.

Woo-jin’s phone vibrated loudly. It was a call, and the caller was Song Man-woo PD. Soon, Kang Woo-jin, with his phone to his ear, spoke in a low tone.

“Yes, PD-nim. Hello.”

After listening to something Song Man-woo PD said on the phone, Woo-jin asked Choi Sung-gun, who was right in front of him.

“Can you make about two hours in my schedule tomorrow?”

“Why?”

“They said there’s a test of the completed version of ‘The Benevolent Evil.’ They said it’s okay if it’s too difficult.”

Choi Sung-gun’s eyes widened. It was a bit of an ‘already?’ feeling. He quickly took out his phone and checked something before answering.

“Two hours is difficult, one hour at most.”

The next day, the 19th, at DM Production.

The time was around 10 AM. The large editing room where ‘The Benevolent Evil’ was completed was bustling. Fortunately, there was no musty smell. From Song Man-woo PD in front of the monitors to some of the key staff of ‘The Benevolent Evil,’ Kim So-hyang, the general director, and executive-level employees of Netflix Korea gathered in the back, and.

“Hoo- hoo- finally.”

“Writer-nim, are you okay?”

“Yes?? No??”

Even Choi Na-na, the writer with round glasses, was there. She had been taking deep breaths since earlier. Of course, the actors of ‘The Benevolent Evil’ were also present. Both the main and supporting roles. Among the main roles, Hwa-rin was absent due to her schedule, but Ha Kang-soo, with his dinosaur-like face, was there.

The atmosphere itself was lively. It felt full of anticipation.

At that moment.

-Swish.

A black-haired actor entered the already bustling editing room. As soon as he appeared, everyone welcomed him.

“Oh! Woo-jin-ssi!”

“Woo-jin-ssi is here!”

“Wow—I kept seeing you during filming, but it feels different now! It feels like seeing a real star!”

“Hahaha, welcome, Woo-jin-ssi.”

It was Kang Woo-jin, wearing a gray long padded coat and a hat pulled down. Woo-jin greeted everyone appropriately and then slightly bowed his head to Song Man-woo PD, who was sitting in front of the editing equipment.

“You’ve worked hard, PD-nim.”

The stubble-faced Song Man-woo PD smiled faintly.

“It’s nothing. On the contrary, Woo-jin-ssi has worked hard. Thank you. You must be incredibly busy, but you made time.”

“I was also curious.”

After about 10 minutes of simple updates and conversations, Song Man-woo PD announced the start.

“Let’s all sit down, let’s watch the test.”

Everyone, including Kang Woo-jin, sat on the prepared temporary chairs or stood in the back. After a simple operation by Song Man-woo PD, a video was displayed on the largest of the several monitors in front. It was the first episode of Part 1 of ‘The Benevolent Evil.’ It started right away without an opening or OST [Original Sound Track].

The beginning was a dark forest.

And Kang Woo-jin, wearing a military uniform and holding a gun. No, it was ‘Jang Yeon-woo’ who appeared. The angle slowly moved from his back to his side. A woman’s voice was heard from the radio in his ear. It was English, and it was Miley Cara.

At this moment, the editing room was.

“…”

“…”

It was as quiet as a mouse. Everyone was staring at the monitor as if they were spaced out. Kang Woo-jin, with his poker face, was the same. Just looking at his stiff face, he seemed quite serious. But right now, Kang Woo-jin was internally freaking out.

‘Wow—shit! Goosebumps! What’s with the quality??! It’s amazing?!!’

From the first scene’s visuals to the direction, it was extraordinary just by looking at it. Since the first line was in English, it felt like a Hollywood movie. But that was just the beginning.

‘Wow! The action is insane!!’

From the gunfight, it was impossible to take your eyes off it for even a second.

After that.

Kang Woo-jin had to leave after watching only the first episode of ‘The Benevolent Evil.’ He desperately wanted to watch the whole thing, but he couldn’t help it.

‘Agh—I have to see that long take in the second episode.’

The first episode was directed with the past and present of ‘Jang Yeon-woo’ alternating. While the current events were starting, it also planted seeds of the past. Even though Woo-jin already knew the content, the finished product ‘The Benevolent Evil’ was different from his imagination.

Whatever the conclusion was.

‘It’s so damn fun.’

Even Kang Woo-jin, who acted in it, found it quite interesting. It was clear that once you watched the first episode, you would never be able to stop watching the six episodes of Part 1. With that, Woo-jin got back into the van. At the same time, the stylist team handed him what was prepared.

It was the requested outfits for the ‘Clown’ audition.

As soon as he saw the outfits, Kang Woo-jin’s heart rate increased.

‘Hoo-‘

But he quickly calmed down. Then, the day disappeared in the blink of an eye. Before he knew it, Thursday the 20th had dawned, and Kang Woo-jin was at Incheon Airport.

“Woo-jin-ssi!! Kang Woo-jin-ssi!!!”

“Please say something about your feelings!!”

“Are you confident about the audition??!!!”

“What kind of acting have you prepared!!”

“Here!! Over here!! Woo-jin-ssi!! Please say anything you want!!”

“Have you contacted Director Ahn Ga-bok?!!”

“Are you confident that you can beat the Hollywood actors who have also been confirmed as candidates!!”

Incheon Airport was already crowded with hundreds of reporters and even more fans. Everyone was in a frenzy, but Woo-jin, passing through the departure gate, calmly waved to them.

Then.

-Swish.

Kang Woo-jin disappeared behind the departure gate. The place where Woo-jin was found again was inside a private jet. Choi Sung-gun and all the team members were in a flurry, and Woo-jin’s phone had been ringing non-stop since earlier. Most of them were probably messages of support. However, Kang Woo-jin, with his strong concept, nonchalantly put his phone on airplane mode.

-Flap.

He unfolded the ‘Clown’ script. And he raised his index finger.

‘First, let’s do a reading (experience).’

It was to go to the subspace once beforehand. Of course, he planned to go several times before the audition.

Soon.

‘Ugh—damn, this jet lag.’

More than ten hours later, Kang Woo-jin arrived at LA International Airport. He had left in the morning, but it was even earlier in the morning in LA. Nevertheless, before passing through the crowded arrival hall, Woo-jin’s appearance was.

“Woo-jin-ah, wear a mask.”

“Yes.”

His face was completely covered. His current situation was different from before. Then, about 40 minutes later, Kang Woo-jin’s team, who had managed to get out of the airport without any major problems, boarded the vans prepared in front of the airport.

Woo-jin was in the first van.

Kang Woo-jin looked out the window.

‘Well, it’s the same here.’

LA was still vast, without much change. On the other hand, there was a change in Woo-jin’s heart. He was familiar with LA. Around that time, the van started moving. The first destination was Kang Woo-jin’s house in LA.

At that moment.

“Oppa [an affectionate term for older brother or male friend],”

Han Ye-jung, Woo-jin’s stylist manager, who had recently changed to a blue bob, muttered while looking at her phone.

“The official first teaser for ‘The Benevolent Evil’ is out.”

On her phone screen, a video that had been uploaded about 10 minutes ago was being displayed.

-【Worldwide Release on February 3rd!】’The Benevolent Evil’ Official 1st Teaser Trailer ｜Netflix Korea

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