I was Mistaken as a Monstrous Genius Actor [EN]: Chapter 412

The plump reporter, upon seeing the famous Hollywood producer Joseph Felton, immediately thought of Kang Woo-jin. He was the most likely connection. There wasn’t any other actor in Korea who could be called a ‘world star’ right now.

“Two of Hollywood’s ‘Big Five’ film companies are already working with Kang Woo-jin. That alone is unprecedented—but are you telling me that even ‘Universal Movies’ is going to be the third one chasing after Kang Woo-jin?”

Of course, it might not be the case. Joseph Felton might have come to Korea for another reason, not specifically for Kang Woo-jin. That would be more logical, according to common sense.

‘But the timing is just too perfect.’

Woo-jin had caused a sensation by being cast as the lead in two major Hollywood films. Even though it had been about a week since Kang Woo-jin returned to Korea, the buzz was still incredibly high. And then, Joseph Felton appeared in Korea. It was too coincidental to be just a coincidence. The plump reporter instinctively sensed that this was a story that would sell well. He even ignored the girl group that had appeared at the arrival gate.

-Swish.

He scanned the surroundings, which were in chaos due to the appearance of the girl group. Dozens of reporters and onlookers didn’t seem to notice the foreigners who had just passed by. The plump reporter picked up his camera and checked the photos of Joseph Felton he had taken.

“…Whether they came because of Kang Woo-jin or not, I need to get this story out there first.”

A smile quickly spread across his face. Kang Woo-jin, had there ever been an actor with such a huge impact in the history of the Korean entertainment industry? If he released the article, it would sell like hotcakes. Even if Joseph Felton didn’t come because of Kang Woo-jin, it would be enough to draw attention, and if their real purpose was Woo-jin.

“It’s a scoop.”

Soon, the reporter left the chaotic arrival hall, walking slowly.

-Swish.

He sent the photos he had taken to someone. Then, he tapped on his phone enthusiastically. A call followed.

“Yes, it’s me. You saw the photos, right? They’re not just any foreigners, they’re big shots from Hollywood. No, listen to me first, the story is good, I’m telling you?”

Kang Woo-jin, ‘Universal Movies,’ and Joseph Felton were mentioned in his call. After finishing the call that lasted about 10 minutes, he hung up. Then, he smiled as he looked at the advertisement on the large monitor in the airport lobby. The main star of the advertisement was Kang Woo-jin.

“But if ‘Universal Movies’ is really involved… isn’t that beyond the level of even the top Hollywood stars?”

Meanwhile, inside a van speeding down the highway.

There were two vans speeding along. In the front van, there were many foreigners. The most noticeable was a tall, bulky man with a leather jacket sitting by the window. It was the famous Hollywood producer, Joseph Felton.

“……”

Joseph rested his chin on his hand, looking out the window, and muttered softly in English.

“Korea—it’s been a while. It’s the first time since filming ‘Leech’ last year.”

The reaction from the bald man next to him was quick.

“…I’m concerned about the reporters who were gathered at the arrival gate earlier. They didn’t seem to recognize us, but they might have taken photos.”

“That’s possible, what can we do? We didn’t expect to overlap with a popular Korean group’s schedule.”

“There might be reporters who recognized us.”

Joseph, who was smiling and crossing his long legs, shrugged his shoulders.

“Haha, is there a reporter who would recognize my face and connect it to Kang Woo-jin? But it doesn’t matter. It’s not a big problem even if it gets out. No, it’s more accurate to say that I don’t have the time to worry about such things.”

Robert, the bald man, looked at the giant Joseph’s face and let out a small breath.

“Coming all the way to Korea just to deliver the script to Kang Woo-jin—isn’t that a bit much? Of course, we gave reasons like distribution to the public.”

“It’s too late.”

“Yes?”

“It’s too late. I was the first to discover Kang Woo-jin, but I’ve become the last. It’s the first time I’ve felt this frustrated doing this job.”

Joseph Felton, who had swept back his hair, recalled the first time he saw Kang Woo-jin. He had first witnessed Woo-jin quite a while ago. Around the time of the screen test for ‘Last Kill 3’ early last year.

“As soon as I saw his unique energy, I knew he would quickly make his presence known in Hollywood… but I didn’t expect his value to jump so dramatically so quickly. He was unknown until last year—now he’s already a superstar in Hollywood. There are some pre-arranged agreements, but in business relationships, promises are like dust.”

“……”

“I have to show this much sincerity myself for Kang Woo-jin to even pay attention, right? ‘Pierrot: The Birth of a Villain’ and ‘The Beast and the Beauty’ are already confirmed. He might not even care about us. We’re the ones who are at a disadvantage.”

Joseph Felton, who had been in Hollywood for decades. Even for Joseph, Kang Woo-jin’s incredible growth was something he had never seen before. In the blink of an eye, he had become a star known worldwide. It was understandable that he felt frustrated. He had discovered the rough gem first, but someone else had polished it and sold it to the world.

But what could he do? That’s how the situation had turned out.

It wouldn’t be strange to give up, but Joseph Felton, who had been watching Kang Woo-jin and had his monstrous side etched in his mind, didn’t give up on Woo-jin. To be clear, he couldn’t give up. He wanted to experience the awe he felt when he first saw him, during ‘Leech,’ and during ‘Beneficial Evil’ again.

‘So what if I’m third? It doesn’t matter as long as I get him.’

More than anything, he had another purpose.

‘I can only get director Danny Landis if I get Kang Woo-jin.’

It was Danny Landis, a Hollywood big-shot director who had accepted the conditional director position. He had made Woo-jin’s participation a condition. One way or another, Joseph Felton had no choice but to bet everything on Kang Woo-jin.

“…When is the appointment with Kang Woo-jin?”

The bald Robert answered immediately.

“Two days from now.”

“I heard that the filming for ‘Beneficial Evil’ Part 2 has already started?”

“Yes.”

“Hoo-”

Joseph, who had let out a long breath, looked down at the stack of papers on his lap. No, the script, and muttered softly.

“How will this look to Kang Woo-jin?”

On the same day, a little past noon.

The location was a huge set complex in Yeoncheon, Gyeonggi Province. It was a familiar place. It was the set for ‘Beneficial Evil.’ Of course, the set inside the vast warehouse was completely different from Part 1. The construction related to the filming of Part 2 was already finished. In the outdoor parking lot of such a set complex.

-Swish.

A black van stopped, and a black-haired man got out. It was Kang Woo-jin, with his striking features.

“……”

He looked at the set complex calmly, but inside, he was quite moved.

‘Wow—it’s been a while here.’

It felt like returning home? It was even more so because he had been traveling overseas. Anyway, Woo-jin, who had adjusted his hat, was joined by.

“It seems like they put in a lot of effort.”

Choi Sung-gun, with his ponytail, approached him.

“Part 1’s success was beyond insane, it caused a global phenomenon. I heard that the Part 2 set construction was doubled from the original plan.”

The CEO of Netflix headquarters in the United States had personally praised ‘Beneficial Evil.’ It was natural that the flow of funds was concentrated on ‘Beneficial Evil.’ Kang Woo-jin was also looking forward to it.

‘Oh-ho, is that so?’

The transformed set, and the filming of ‘Beneficial Evil’ Part 2, which would start today. Well, according to the schedule, it would be several times more hectic with the addition of ‘Beneficial Evil’ filming.

‘It’s okay, I’m fine. But I should go to the subspace [a personal training area] once before starting.’

Kang Woo-jin’s condition was at its peak. Thus, Woo-jin entered the ‘Beneficial Evil’ set complex with Choi Sung-gun and the team members. Soon, as soon as some of the assistant directors and staff who were waiting at the entrance discovered Kang Woo-jin.

“K, Kang Woo-jin-nim has arrived!”

After sending a radio message, they approached Woo-jin. Within a few minutes, a man with a beard came running. It was Song Man-woo PD [Production Director], who was recently making his name known worldwide, and around him were familiar faces. Many others besides the confident writer Choi Na-na and the general director Kim So-hyang. The entrance of the set complex quickly became crowded, and Kang Woo-jin, who was full of anticipation.

‘Ugh—damn, their momentum is something else. I’m a little intimidated.’

He instinctively increased his cynicism. What was interesting was.

“Woo-jin-ssi!”

Song Man-woo PD, who was a little out of breath from running, asked a strange question.

“Did you decide to do another project with ‘Universal Movies’??!”

“……”

Huh? Suddenly? Kang Woo-jin was slightly taken aback by the question that came before the greeting. Choi Na-na, Kim So-hyang, and all the people gathered were looking at Woo-jin with the same expression as Song Man-woo PD. It meant they were 100% on the same page. Why did ‘Universal Movies’ suddenly come up? Kang Woo-jin, who had been silent, glanced at Choi Sung-gun. He shook his head slightly.

Around this time.

“No, an article came out.”

Song Man-woo PD showed his phone. It seemed like he had been looking at it just before, as an article was displayed on his phone.

『[Exclusive] Hollywood Famous Producer Joseph Felton Appears at Incheon Airport, Why Did He, Who Is Working with ‘Universal Movies,’ Come to Korea… To Meet Kang Woo-jin?』

The photo in the article clearly showed the giant Joseph Felton and his team. At that moment, Kang Woo-jin thought to himself.

‘Ah, this guy got caught.’

There had already been talks about a meeting with Joseph’s side. But why did he come in so confidently? There was no mention of it being top secret, but Woo-jin assumed that his meeting with him was supposed to be a secret. Soon, Kim So-hyang, the general director next to Song Man-woo PD, said in a slightly excited voice.

“I know Joseph Felton, I’ve seen him a few times in the past. He even came to our Bangkok location, right? But the fact that he came to Korea at this timing—does that mean it’s related to Woo-jin-ssi?”

Song Man-woo PD chimed in.

“He definitely didn’t come to see our Part 2 filming again. Is there really something being discussed with ‘Universal Movies’??”

The situation was filled with curiosity. It was natural. Not only were two of Hollywood’s ‘Big Five’ involved, but now the third, ‘Universal Movies,’ had appeared. Kang Woo-jin, who had been silent for a while, answered nonchalantly. His tone was quite low.

“There’s nothing being discussed with ‘Universal Movies.'”

“Ah—really?”

And he didn’t seem to have any intention of hiding it.

“But I will meet with Joseph Felton.”

Soon, the eyes of everyone gathered, including Song Man-woo PD, widened.

“!!!”

It meant that Kang Woo-jin’s actions, which had already created a legend, were not over yet. Then, Song Man-woo PD, who had a slightly dazed look on his face, muttered.

“At this rate… the Hollywood guys will be filled with self-loathing, won’t they?”

After that.

Around the time Kang Woo-jin barely managed to start filming ‘Beneficial Evil’ Part 2, the domestic media was frantically rushing towards the suddenly thrown bait.

『’Columbia Studios,’ ‘World Disney Pictures,’ and now ‘Universal Movies’? Did the famous Hollywood producer really come to see Kang Woo-jin?』

『[Issue Pick] Hollywood Famous Producer Who Appeared at Incheon Airport Is Working on a Project with ‘Universal Movies’』

『Is Kang Woo-jin Planning to Conquer All of Hollywood’s ‘Big Five’ Film Companies? Contacting ‘Universal Movies’』

『’Universal Movies’ Joins the Casting of Kang Woo-jin, Kang Woo-jin’s Side Remains Silent to the Suddenly Thrown News』

The articles being released felt like they were just throwing things out there without checking the facts. Speculation, exaggeration, and rumors were rampant. Since there were already many issues related to Kang Woo-jin, the fire spread quickly.

-Huh????? What is this againㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋSo randomㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ

-Is Universal really going to stick to Kang Woo-jin? It seems like the reporter is just making a fuss after taking a picture of some random foreignerㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ

-No, no, the black guy in the photo is a Hollywood producer, other articles have confirmed it

-He probably came to Korea for other business… If Universal is also trying to get Kang Woo-jin… then Kang Woo-jin is truly god-level….

-I think he came to get Kang Woo-jinㅋㅋㅋㅋIt’s insane

-At this rate, isn’t Kang Woo-jin literally trampling on Hollywood??

Even more, about two hours later.

『CNM/Joseph Felton Quietly Enters Korea! Korean Media, “Is ‘Universal Movies’ Also Interested in Kang Woo-jin?”』

The fire spread to foreign media as well.

Two days later, Thursday, March 24th. BW Entertainment.

It was the medium-sized conference room of BW Entertainment, which had been expanded. The time was around 8 AM. Several people were seen at the U-shaped table in the quite spacious conference room. There were foreigners by the window. At the center was the giant Joseph Felton. On the opposite side were BW Entertainment employees other than Choi Sung-gun.

And.

“……”

Even Kang Woo-jin, who was looking at Joseph indifferently. It seemed like greetings had already been exchanged, as Joseph, with a smile, continued to speak while looking at Woo-jin.

“I’m sorry, it seems our arrival has caused a stir in Korea.”

Kang Woo-jin replied in English, nonchalantly.

“It’s okay. It happens often.”

“Haha, is that so?”

“Is it okay in Hollywood? It seems like it spread there too.”

“There are a lot of calls, but it’s not a problem.”

Joseph, who had given a relaxed answer.

-Swish.

Pushed the stack of papers in front of him towards Kang Woo-jin.

“This is it, the script I’ve been talking to you about.”

Woo-jin, who maintained a poker face and picked up the script.

‘It took a long time. Or is it normal? I don’t know, let’s go to the subspace first.’

He secretly tried to touch the black square attached to the script. But before that.

“Woo-jin-ssi.”

Joseph Felton’s words from across the table were faster.

“Do you know director Danny Landis?”

Danny who? Who was that? Then Woo-jin remembered the director he had seen at the Cannes Film Festival.

“Of course.”

“Director Danny is a legend among legends in Hollywood. He wants you, he made a condition. If Woo-jin-ssi does this project, he wants to be the director no matter what. It’s probably the first time for director Danny.”

Choi Sung-gun, who had roughly understood, was shocked inside.

‘T- That Danny Landis director??’

On the other hand, Kang Woo-jin was very calm.

“Is that so?”

Then Joseph Felton continued to speak.

“Additionally, we will not ask Woo-jin-ssi for any auditions or screen tests.”

It was a gamble.

“If Kang Woo-jin decides, he will be confirmed as the lead actor.”