I was Mistaken as a Monstrous Genius Actor [EN]: Chapter 396

The official launch of ‘The Benevolent Evil’ was at noon on February 3rd. Actually, the buzz around ‘The Benevolent Evil’ had been building in various places in Korea since the morning of the 3rd, a few hours before noon.

It wasn’t just the press; public opinion was also heavily engaged. Beyond social media, the debate over ‘The Benevolent Evil’ was intense on online communities and YouTube, with people expressing both strong support and criticism.

-Finally!! ‘The Benevolent Evil’ is out!!!!

-Ugh… time is moving so slowly… I can’t wait to watch it….

-ㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋBut isn’t it usually the case that a work with this much hype before release ends up being a flop? ㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ

-↑Agreed ㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋThe trailer is probably the best part, and the actual show will be boring, so ‘The Benevolent Evil’ will probably crash and burn ㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ

-Here come the haters again.

-‘The Benevolent Evil’ is a big deal overseas right now, so if it’s really boring, it won’t just crash; it’ll be a disaster.

-Without Kang Woo-jin and Miley Cara, there might be nothing to see.

-The trailers were amazing, though.

Positive and negative opinions clashed like a battle of spears and shields. The same was true offline, not just online. In various sectors of the Korean entertainment industry, such as broadcasting stations, film companies, and production houses, it was the main topic of conversation.

“Ah, ‘The Benevolent Evil’ is launching soon.”

“What do you think? In my opinion, it might get some initial buzz because of Kang Woo-jin and Miley Cara’s popularity, but honestly, I don’t think it will be that successful.”

“Hmm, I think so too. But it will probably do quite well in Korea. Miley Cara is a big draw, and Kang Woo-jin’s influence is huge. The trailer looks pretty good too.”

“Won’t it cool down quickly in Korea as well? Kang Woo-jin’s influence is massive, but the public’s expectations are also incredibly high.”

“True. If it’s just okay, they’ll start criticizing it right away.”

They were freely speculating about the future of ‘The Benevolent Evil’.

“Wow, ‘The Benevolent Evil’ trailer is really well-made.”

“Hey, Kim PD [Producer Director]. Are you slacking off again instead of working?”

“Is this not work? If ‘The Benevolent Evil’ becomes a hit, we’ll be casting the actors who appear in it.”

“Hahaha, really? But in my opinion, it seems premature for ‘The Benevolent Evil’ to try to make a global impact. Even with the Korean Wave [Hallyu] and K-pop, it’s still a small fraction of the global market, and even if Kang Woo-jin’s recognition has increased overseas, it’s still not enough.”

“What if it becomes a huge hit?”

“I think the trailer is the best part.”

“Wanna bet?”

“Call.”

Of course, the situation was similar in Japan, which was launching at the same time as Korea, where Kang Woo-jin’s immense influence extended. What was interesting was that ‘The Benevolent Evil’ was a hot topic not only in Korea and Japan but also worldwide. As the launch time of ‘The Benevolent Evil’ approached, in famous online communities in various countries, including the United States:

-I’m waiting to watch the Korean show, ‘The Benevolent Evil.’ I hope it’s good.

-Why is that Korean show so hyped these days?

-People’s interest has increased because of Kang Woo-jin, a hot Korean actor in Hollywood. It’s especially bad since he was nominated for the Beast and the Beauty [a fictional award].

-Kang Woo-jin also won Best Actor at Cannes last year.

-How great is his acting that he was nominated for both the Pierrot [a fictional award] and the Beast and the Beauty at the same time?

-We’ll be able to get an idea if we watch ‘The Benevolent Evil,’ but this show seems to be action-oriented? The trailer was okay.

-Trailers and teasers can be made with good quality, but honestly, there’s no way a Korean show can reach the level of Hollywood.

-I subscribed to Netflix because of ‘The Benevolent Evil,’ so please let it be at least average.

·

·

·

Numerous opinions were pouring out.

Of course, the intensity increased as time went on. Even though most of the comments were along the lines of ‘Let’s see how good it really is,’ with a skeptical and critical tone, this global reaction was still significant.

-But this Korean show has already succeeded in global promotion; this is the first time a Korean show has become such a hot topic before its launch, right?

-That’s right. ‘The Benevolent Evil’ is the first Korean show I’ve ever been interested in.

It was unusual.

Thanks to Kang Woo-jin’s global recognition, whether it was controversial or not. Miley Cara and Netflix’s promotional power were a bonus.

While the world was dissecting, analyzing, and anticipating ‘The Benevolent Evil,’ about an hour before its launch, many influential figures in LA were also showing a surge of interest. Many big shots in Hollywood, that is.

It was 11 AM in Korea, but 6 PM in Hollywood. Starting with ‘Columbia Studios,’ which had secretly decided on the male lead for ‘Pierrot’.

“It would be good to keep an eye on Kang Woo-jin’s ‘The Benevolent Evil,’ wouldn’t it?”

“That’s right. Call Director An Ga-bok from Stage too. Although the starting point is Korea, it’s like Kang Woo-jin’s first global debut, so all available personnel should check it out.”

“Was the genre action?”

“Kang Woo-jin’s action—I’m looking forward to it.”

“If his action is good, it would be quite helpful for him to play the ‘Joker’ in the ‘Cinematic Universe.’ But if it’s not, the situation is different.”

‘World Disney Pictures,’ which was about to audition and screen test for the role of ‘Beast’.

“What time does ‘The Benevolent Evil’ launch on Netflix?”

“Around 7 PM here; quite a few people have already gathered at the studio.”

“Hmm, let’s go too. ‘The Benevolent Evil’ will help us evaluate Kang Woo-jin.”

“This is the first time he’s shown action in his works, right?”

“According to our investigation, yes. ‘The Benevolent Evil’ is the first project that officially targets an overseas audience.”

“Fortunately, it’s on Netflix, so we can check it out right away.”

“What do you think Kang Woo-jin’s action will be like?”

“Well, I’m looking forward to it. Of course, he’s not an action specialist, so it might be a bit lacking.”

“True, he’s already a talented actor in many ways, but if he’s good at action too—he’s more than a monster.”

Including ‘Universal Movies,’ one of Hollywood’s ‘Big Five,’ and teams other than famous producers Joseph Felton and Megan Stone.

“The things we saw ourselves are finally being released to the world.”

“It was amazing to see it firsthand, but how did the final product turn out?”

“It depends on the direction and editing. Anyway, Kang Woo-jin’s action and CQC [Close Quarters Combat] will definitely surprise the world.”

Of course, Miley Cara, who participated in the filming of ‘The Benevolent Evil,’ also had Netflix turned on while moving between schedules.

“Miley, how do you feel?”

“Hmm—it was my first time working on a Korean project, and it’s new that it’s being shown to the world. It feels like, ‘Show them what you’ve got!'”

“What about Kang Woo-jin?”

“Yeah. There were so many rumors circulating on the internet. I got angry just reading them.”

“If ‘The Benevolent Evil’ is well-made, they’ll shut up.”

“I hope it’s a massive hit.”

In addition, Hollywood big-shot director Danny Landis, Hollywood actors who participated in the ‘Pierrot’ audition, Chris Hartnett, people who experienced Kang Woo-jin at Cannes, overseas media, etc., etc. All the people who knew Woo-jin were waiting.

For the launch of ‘The Benevolent Evil’.

Finally.

As soon as it was noon in Korean time, ‘The Benevolent Evil’ was launched on Netflix, and Netflix’s famous logo sound echoed around the world.

-♬♪

And a tremendous number of people started watching ‘The Benevolent Evil’ Part 1.

-‘The Benevolent Evil’ Part 1

-‘Episode 1’

The beginning showed the current appearance of Kang Woo-jin, or ‘Jang Yeon-woo.’ It started with the scene of him defeating a simple villain who appeared in the apartment parking lot. As soon as Woo-jin’s scene of slapping a small villain’s cheek came out, online communities in various countries erupted in criticism.

-What? Is this all they’re showing as action??

-Ah, I shouldn’t have watched it.

-If this is it, there’s no reason to watch it.

-Still, Kang Woo-jin’s acting isn’t bad.

-There are plenty of actors who can do this much in the world?

-It’s starting to look like a trashy show.

There were more negative reviews than positive ones. No, it wasn’t just a lot. It was almost a bashing party. It was a natural reaction since people were waiting for it with high expectations.

The reaction was similar for many people in Hollywood.

“Hmm? Is this action?”

“A little… disappointing?”

“Can this even be called action?”

But this evaluation didn’t last long. The scene shifted to Kang Woo-jin on screen. No, it was from the scene where ‘Jang Yeon-woo’s’ past first appeared. Suddenly, Woo-jin appeared in a mountain or forest with deep darkness, where the sound of a beast squawking in the distance could be heard on a night with faint moonlight.

His outfit also changed drastically.

Combat boots, military uniform, bulletproof vest, an earphone radio in his ear, and a pistol on his side.

And an M4 carbine rifle slung over his shoulder.

From here, the reaction of the overseas audience began to change.

-Huh? What’s with the sudden change?

-It feels like the genre is changing.

-M4 carbine? What, is there going to be a gunfight?

-No way. It didn’t feel like they spent that much money.

-Oooo, I’m getting really excited!!

Then, Miley Cara’s voice appeared for the first time.

-[“Entry.”]

Kang Woo-jin infiltrated a mansion with skillful movements. Cara’s voice rang out again.

-[“The inside of the mansion is as briefed beforehand. J, I’ll leave it to you.”]

‘The Benevolent Evil’ instantly transformed.

-[“Grenade! Grenade!!”]

It boasted a quality that was not inferior to Hollywood movies.

-[“Kwaaang!!”]

Explosions and gunfight scenes were rampant. It wasn’t cheesy or weak. It was stylish, and the designs were eye-catching.

-[“Tatata tang!!”]

-[“Tang tadadadang!!”]

The surprising thing here was Kang Woo-jin’s action skills. His action made the mouths of the global audience drop open.

-Wow, Kang Woo-jin is good?!

-It’s good! It’s better than expected!! And the action scenes are unexpectedly clean! What is this? Is this a Korean show?

-The quality of the show is good, but isn’t Kang Woo-jin’s action skill considerable?? Is it just me?

-He’s not just good! He’s amazing; he’d stand out even if he was put into a Hollywood project right away.

-It hasn’t been long since it started, so we have to watch it more; honestly, you can create this much if you practice.

However, this was just the beginning.

-[“Where’s J?”]

As the second episode began, Miley Cara, who had been veiled, made her first appearance as ‘L’ in the show, and Kang Woo-jin, who was J, disappeared and then reappeared. The second episode of ‘The Benevolent Evil’ also went back and forth between the past and the present, and whether it was the present or the past, the overall quality of ‘The Benevolent Evil’ was increasing more and more.

And in the second half of the second episode.

-[“Move quickly.”]

Kang Woo-jin, wearing a colored short-sleeved shirt and torn black jeans, was standing in an abandoned building. To be exact, it was a room inside an abandoned building with six members of an organization holding AK47 rifles, pistols, and long knives.

Then.

-[“That bastard!!”]

-[“It’s dangerous!!!”]

The scene reached its climax.

-[“Bang bang!”]

With the blood of one of them and the brains exploding, a long take cut of more than 10 minutes, where Song Man-woo PD poured his soul into, with Kang Woo-jin’s CQC deeply inserted, began.

Anyone could tell this without being told.

Because there were no editing points visible in the camera work or direction. It was just Woo-jin’s flashy action and CQC that stood out. It lasted for more than 10 minutes. The last line was this.

-[“I need a car.”]

Of course, the angle was a close-up of Kang Woo-jin covered in blood.

By this point, the reaction of the global audience was already.

-Long take? It’s a long take, right?

-That’s right! It’s so long! Wow, the long take design is amazing!

-Those movements of Kang Woo-jin are CQC?? It’s even flashy!!!

-Wow, that’s amazing? It’s a quality comparable to Hollywood?

-The long take action scene is the highlight; Kang Woo-jin’s CQC is flawless.

-Kang Woo-jin’s acting is good? The action is stylish too!

There were no negative reviews. Only positive reviews were prevalent.

The next day, the 4th. Korea.

The time was past 10 AM. Around this time, Netflix Korea was quite busy. In particular, the largest meeting room was crowded. Kim So-hyang, the general director at the head of the table, as well as all the team leaders from each team, were gathered and talking excitedly. There were laptops in front of everyone. Kim So-hyang, the general director, was busy talking to someone in English.

It was understandable.

‘The Benevolent Evil’ was officially launched in more than 80 countries, including Korea, on the 3rd, yesterday, and from today, the 4th, they had to monitor every country.

The work of checking the reactions and evaluations, as well as the scores for each country.

About 30 minutes passed like that?

“Ch, General Director!!”

A team leader shouted and showed Kim So-hyang the laptop he was looking at. Soon, Kim So-hyang, who had her phone to her ear, looked at the laptop screen and widened her eyes.

“R, really??!”

It was a shock filled with joy.

Meanwhile, LA.

Unlike Korea, it was afternoon in LA, and Kang Woo-jin could be found in a van that was moving.

“······”

He was wearing a blazer and a single coat. His expression was full of firmness. But inside.

‘Yesterday, ‘The Benevolent Evil’ killed it. It was so fun even though it’s my work. But—when will the results come out? I’m a bit anxious.’

He was quite anxious. Because of ‘The Benevolent Evil’ that was shown to the world. The quality was indeed amazing. Woo-jin had received many calls yesterday. From Miley Cara to many colleagues, etc. Maybe that’s why he was more anxious now. Whatever it was, he was moving to do an interview with a famous Hollywood media outlet, and it was when Kang Woo-jin arrived at a huge building.

-Thump!

Someone called out to Kang Woo-jin, who got out of the van that stopped in the parking lot and was walking briskly for the interview, from behind. With a very excited voice.

“Woo-jin!”

When he turned around, Choi Sung-gun with his ponytail was running towards him. He suddenly showed Woo-jin his phone screen without explanation. The screen showed a foreign news article.

『CNM/Korean drama ‘The Benevolent Evil’ a sensation! Reached number 1 on US Netflix as soon as it launched!』

‘The Benevolent Evil’ was starting at number 1 in the US out of 80 countries.