I was Mistaken as a Monstrous Genius Actor [EN]: Chapter 40

Director Shin Dong-chun, about to call Kang Woo-jin, paused.

“……”

His eyes, which had stopped his hand, were red. Years of pain and hardship suddenly flooded his mind. How much had he been ignored? How many hellish days had he endured? Yet, those awful times weren’t failures.

Because he’d met Kang Woo-jin at the edge of the cliff and completed the movie.

So, the sight of the editing staff hugging each other looked beautiful to Director Shin Dong-chun. It was just a short film, but they hadn’t taken it lightly. Instead, they’d poured in several times more effort.

The result of their passion and time.

Regardless of the project’s scale, whether it was a short film or a commercial one, they deserved to be happy. At that moment, one of the editors smiled faintly and met the gaze of Director Shin Dong-chun, whose eyes were moist.

“I have a feeling, a masterpiece has been created. I think we can really shake up the ‘Mise-en-scène Short Film Festival’!”

“Of course, that’s why we’ve been stuck in editing day and night. I’m satisfied. Woo-jin will be too.”

Here, another editor suddenly changed the subject.

“Ah, but I heard the atmosphere of the ‘Mise-en-scène Short Film Festival’ is changing a bit this year?”

“Oh, right. I think the sponsor changed, didn’t it?”

“That’s right. The sponsor. When the backing changes, there’s usually a huge shift in the first year.”

“The ‘Mise-en-scène Short Film Festival’ is already a major event in the short film and art scene. Are they going to pour even more money into it?”

At the question, Director Shin Dong-chun laughed as if it didn’t matter.

“Of course, there will be big changes, but it’s okay. ‘Detective Agency’ will definitely stand out wherever it’s shown.”

“True. First of all, the lead actor’s performance was insane.”

The editor laughed and pointed at the monitor.

“Are you going to have a test screening?”

“Of course, we have to. I don’t know if the two main actors will be able to come since they’re filming…”

Director Shin Dong-chun, trailing off, picked up his phone again. Then, the thought that Kang Woo-jin might be filming crossed his mind. Because of that, he changed his target to Choi Sung-gun.

The connection signal was short.

“Yes, yes, Director Shin.”

Soon, at Choi Sung-gun’s answer over the phone, Director Shin Dong-chun spoke firmly.

“CEO Choi, the editing of ‘Detective Agency’ has just finished. We can schedule a test screening.”

“……Finally.”

Choi Sung-gun was the CEO and investor of the two main actors of ‘Detective Agency’.

“We should schedule it, let’s schedule it right away.”

“Are Woo-jin and Hye-yeon available to attend?”

“Hye-yeon seems to be having a hard time because she’s in the middle of filming. Woo-jin should be available since he’s in the middle part [referring to his filming schedule].”

This moment was also very important to Choi Sung-gun on the other end of the phone.

“First, I’ll ask him about his intentions.”

The next day, the 11th, at an audio studio in the morning.

Around 8 o’clock. Kang Woo-jin was seen walking down the hallway with the manager team, including Choi Sung-gun. He had natural short hair that wasn’t particularly styled, a simple hoodie, and an indifferent expression. But he was actually quite excited.

‘To think I’m going to watch a movie I’m in.’

Soon, there was going to be a test screening of ‘Detective Agency’. Fortunately, the filming of ‘Profiler Han-ryang’ could be postponed until after lunch.

At that moment.

-Squeak.

Choi Sung-gun opened the thick door of the studio. The interior was similar to a recording studio. It wasn’t too small or too big. There were numerous monitors and keyboards he didn’t recognize. There were also props that made him wonder if they should be there. Things like a bucket, a baseball bat, and a woman’s high heels.

It was for audio work, but it was unfamiliar to Kang Woo-jin.

Around this time.

“Ah, you’ve arrived?”

The people who had arrived at the studio beforehand, including the square-jawed Director Shin Dong-chun, greeted Kang Woo-jin’s team. There were about four or five of them. Except for Director Shin Dong-chun, they were all strangers to Woo-jin. Regardless, Director Shin Dong-chun and Choi Sung-gun greeted each other first.

“Congratulations, Director. Hahaha, I’m so happy, really.”

“What are you talking about, it’s all thanks to the investor.”

“Oh my, I’m embarrassed.”

“Ah, that person is the sound director, and this person, you’ve seen him once before, right? The head of the production company.”

Director Shin Dong-chun, with an excited face, introduced everyone. After the greetings, Director Shin Dong-chun approached Kang Woo-jin.

“Woo-jin.”

He was more worried about Kang Woo-jin than his own disheveled appearance from the editing period.

“Your face has become half its size. Is filming tough? Especially with the hyung [older brother/senior]. No, Song PD’s set is notoriously tough.”

What is this person? Was he isolated on an island? It didn’t seem like it was the time to worry about me. In Woo-jin’s eyes, it didn’t seem like Director Shin Dong-chun was in a position to worry about others, and Kang Woo-jin asked in a low voice.

“…Are you okay, Director?”

“Huh? Me? Ah, I’m fine. It’s just because I haven’t slept or eaten properly for a few days. This is something that always happens.”

Woo-jin was newly sympathetic but also clicked his tongue. The entertainment industry was scary. He himself was also going through a hellish schedule. Anyway, Director Shin Dong-chun pointed to the makeshift chairs he had set up.

“Let’s talk about the details later, let’s watch it first. Ah, I’m a bit nervous.”

Soon, everyone, starting with Kang Woo-jin, sat down in the chairs. In the meantime, Woo-jin glanced around the audio studio. He realized that movies were completed in places like this. Suddenly, the week he filmed ‘Detective Agency’ flashed by like a panorama.

At the same time.

-Tap, tap!

The lights in the studio went out. The interior was suddenly covered in darkness, and Kang Woo-jin’s tension increased. He was going to watch it. He was finally going to watch his movie. It was a short film, but it was his first lead role and his first work. It was awkward and surreal for Woo-jin.

‘…Just a few months ago, I was working my ass off at a design company.’

Now, he was about to watch his own movie as a lead actor. It felt like a dream, but it was very real.

At this moment.

“Let’s begin-”

The sound director, sitting in the middle of the work area, operated the equipment. Then, the largest monitor among several monitors in front of them turned on.

-♬♪

First, a thumping sound effect was heard, and gray smoke slowly appeared on the black monitor. Only after all the gray smoke disappeared did the title in the middle become clear.

-‘Detective Agency’

As soon as the title, which was maintained for about 5 seconds, disappeared, the sound of a window opening spread throughout the studio. Drrr. After this sound ended, the video was displayed on the monitor. At the same time, Kang Woo-jin slightly widened his eyes and got excited. Of course, he didn’t show it.

‘Ugh, it’s me. This is kind of embarrassing!’

Kang Woo-jin appeared on the big monitor. No, to be exact, it was Kim Ryu-jin. He was opening the old window with the words ‘Detective Agency’ on it. His hair was disheveled and his skin was rough. His eyes were also hazy, giving off a soulless feeling.

Then he.

[“Hoo-“]

Exhaled a long puff of cigarette smoke. The starting focus was on Kim Ryu-jin’s bust, standing by the window. Kim Ryu-jin just blankly smoked his cigarette. He was serious but also listless. At this moment, Woo-jin even thought about running away. Then the scene changed. It changed to Kim Ryu-jin’s profile.

[“Shall we go, to see the client.”]

Kim Ryu-jin casually crushed the cigarette on the window frame.

About 40 minutes later.

The confirmed running time of ‘Detective Agency’ was 44 minutes.

Kang Woo-jin was accompanied by awkwardness and embarrassment throughout, but he generally watched the movie with a solemn focus.

‘I’m okay, but Hong Hye-yeon’s beauty is insane in any role.’

The completed ‘Detective Agency’ was very similar to what Kang Woo-jin had experienced directly in the subspace. It felt like watching his own life in a video.

And then.

“How was it, Woo-jin?”

At Director Shin Dong-chun’s question, Kang Woo-jin suppressed a bit of excitement. The quality of ‘Detective Agency’ was good, but in this atmosphere, it would be right to pour out praise.

‘……Still, I didn’t know they would just use the scene where I fell. You should have just deleted that, right? Director.’

Whatever it was, Woo-jin recited concisely and heavily.

“It was the best.”

At that time.

While Kang Woo-jin was immersed in ‘Detective Agency’, a silent war was being prepared in the broadcasting world. ‘Profiler Han-ryang’, which was evaluated as the most anticipated work of the first half of the year with star writer Park Eun-mi and several top actors.

『SBC ‘Profiler Han-ryang’ is being checked! MBS and TVM are scheduling overlapping broadcasts』

Other broadcasting stations began to check it.

The opponents were the terrestrial MBS and the cable TVM. These days, cable and pay-TV channels were also not to be ignored. The first broadcast of ‘Profiler Han-ryang’ was scheduled for May 15th, and the other two were scheduled for the same day.

『[Entertainment Talk] SBC, MBS, TVM clash in Friday-Saturday mini-drama battle!』

Whether it was intentional or just a coincidence that the schedules overlapped, this situation was very common in the broadcasting world, so it was a familiar picture.

SBC, MBS, TVM.

The promotional war between the three broadcasting stations was getting fiercer. The articles were full of the names of the top actors they had cast, and they were capturing the public’s attention with various events on social media. They also kept talking about new works on YouTube and other video platforms.

『SBC has Ryu Jung-min and Hong Hye-yeon, MBS has Go Man-wook and Lee Ah-young, TVM has Kim Ji-woo and Kwak So-ra… The lineup is dazzling!』

Many people who saw this expressed their expectations as they pleased.

-Wow… There’s so much to watch in Mayㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ

-I have more reasons to leave work on timeㅎㅎ I’m a fan of Ryu Jung-min, so I’ll watch Han-ryang~~~

-Writer Park Eun-mi’s stories are kind of twistedㅋㅋㅋㅋ These days, TVM is strong in dramasㅋㅋㅋ

-Hong Hye-yeon or Kwak So-ra… Honestly, isn’t Kwak So-ra the best?? Her acting, face, and body are all superior.

-↑Are you an idiot? How dare you compare Kwak So-ra to Hong Hye-yeon??

-MBS keeps making flopsㅋㅋㅋㅋ Did they sharpen their knives this yearㅋㅋㅋ I’m looking forward to it!

-Ryu Jung-min! Ryu Jung-min!! Ryu Jung-min!!! Come out quickly!!

-Honestly, isn’t writer Park Eun-mi’s hype overrated?ㅋㅋ

-May is family month… I’m going to end up watching dramas all the time…

The Friday-Saturday-Sunday drama war was already fierce, but the current situation was like a volcano about to erupt. Perhaps because of this, the media was slowly starting to frame the war.

『[Issue Check] SBC, MBS, TVM are in the midst of a fierce drama promotion war!』

They were throwing out the bait of winners and losers.

『SBC, MBS, TVM are all launching new dramas at the same time… Who will laugh in May?』

Thanks to this, the board was heating up.

On the same day, in the afternoon. Yangji, Yongin [a city in South Korea].

The ‘Profiler Han-ryang’ filming team set up camp in an empty lot in a village with rice paddies and fields. They had already talked to the village. The ‘Profiler Han-ryang’ filming team had already finished the set filming in the morning, and from here, outdoor filming was scheduled until late afternoon at the latest.

The scene to be filmed here was the scene of the field verification of Park Dae-ri’s serial killings.

Park Dae-ri was scheduled to calmly reenact the murders he committed in this village while handcuffed, and many police officers and onlookers would appear as extras. Therefore, the main and supporting actors, including Ryu Jung-min and Hong Hye-yeon of ‘Profiler Han-ryang’, were all gathered.

Of course, the main focus was on Park Dae-ri.

According to the script, Park Dae-ri would reenact the murders he committed on a doll, and at the same time, the viewers would vividly see the time of the murders through Park Dae-ri’s flashbacks. In other words, Kang Woo-jin had to act out both the field verification scene and the actual murder scene.

Both the current Park Dae-ri and the past Park Dae-ri.

Of course, there had to be a drastic change. He was calm during the field verification, but in the actual murder cuts, pleasure was going to be rampant. Anyway, dozens of staff members were hurrying to set up. The doll was set up and various crime props were placed.

“Reporters, police extras, gather around!!”

“Maknae [youngest staff member]! I told you to bring one more reflector here, what are you doing!!”

Actors such as Ryu Jung-min and Hong Hye-yeon were getting their makeup done. Some actors went to the set beforehand to look at the script. Among them, Kang Woo-jin, who was playing the main role of Park Dae-ri today.

“……”

After finishing his makeup first, he was sitting in his seat, spacing out. To be exact, he was thinking about ‘Detective Agency’ that he had seen this morning.

‘It definitely feels different after editing.’

However, this appearance looked somewhat atmospheric to the passing staff members.

“When Woo-jin is like that, doesn’t he look kind of melancholic?”

“Looking at him, Woo-jin is usually very cold, but he’s kind of a tsundere [a person who is initially cold but later shows a warmer side]. He silently takes care of the staff behind the scenes, you know? Like telling them to be careful in front.”

At this time, Choi Sung-gun, who had gone to the van and returned, approached Kang Woo-jin. He was tilting his head, looking puzzled.

“Sss- I’ve seen that pot-bellied man somewhere. Who is he?”

Perhaps because it was a bit rude to ignore him when he was talking right in front of him, Kang Woo-jin, with his melancholic eyes, asked back in a low voice.

“Who did you see?”

“Huh? No, there’s a familiar-looking, plump man in the parking lot over there. Some of the staff are wearing masks, so it’s not strange, but there’s something about his overall atmosphere and physique that’s familiar.”

“Is he not a staff member?”

“Well. I’m not sure. Should I go ask?”

At that moment.

“Woo-jin!! Rehearsal standby!!”

The assistant director called for Kang Woo-jin.

10 minutes before filming began.

The appropriate lines and verbal rehearsal were over. The cameras and lights were all set up, and the makeup and costumes of all the actors, including Kang Woo-jin, were finished. Now, only filming was left. But Song Man-woo PD [Production Director], who was sitting in front of several monitors, looked serious.

“No. It shouldn’t be too fairytale-like, you know, like expressing hell in a fairytale-like way? It seemed like you understood it well during the storyboard meeting, why is it like this?”

Song Man-woo PD was talking to the VFX (special visual effects) team. It seemed like there was a problem. There were quite a few staff members and actors around. The VFX team was in charge of special effects in the work, such as CG [computer graphics]. Since special effects were almost 100% inserted in recent dramas, the VFX team was very important.

‘Profiler Han-ryang’ was no exception.

Anyway, right now, they were talking about the scene where his psychology related to ‘Park Dae-ri’ was expressed, where the world was transformed into various colors. It was also scheduled to be included in this field verification scene. Therefore, the VFX team accompanied them for a site visit. There were four of them, and some foreigners were mixed in.

It felt like the bald foreigner was the center.

A Korean team member translated Song Man-woo PD’s words into English for him. Then, the bald foreigner looked at Song Man-woo PD and opened his mouth. Of course, what he said was in English.

“So, is it like the feeling of colors changing in an ordinary city? The same goes for this place?”

The Korean team member translated for Song Man-woo PD. Song Man-woo PD narrowed his brow slightly.

“No, I mean.”

At that moment. A low-toned English was suddenly heard from behind Song Man-woo PD.

“The background doesn’t matter.”

A calm male voice.

“Regardless of the background, think of it as expressing the bright tones of a fairytale book in a dark and bizarre way.”

Thanks to that, the gazes of the VFX team, Song Man-woo PD, actors such as Ryu Jung-min and Hong Hye-yeon, and all the staff members around them moved. Towards the direction where the voice was coming from. In the meantime, a very cynical tone of English was heard again from the same direction.

“The floor should be purple, the trees and grass should all be dark blue, the sky should be black, and the people should all have different colors. The colors that the character sees should be strange. Bizarreness is important.”

In the direction everyone was looking, Kang Woo-jin was nonchalantly speaking English. It was too fluent.

“Ah, I’m the actor playing that role.”