I was Mistaken as a Monstrous Genius Actor [EN]: Chapter 418

When Kang Woo-jin first arrived at the ‘Pierrot: The Birth of a Villain’ reading room, one thought crossed his mind.

‘Well, it’s not that different from Korea, is it?’

It wasn’t unfamiliar. Even in Hollywood, which dominated the global film industry, script readings weren’t anything special. The atmosphere itself was almost identical to that of Korea.

The only difference was that everyone was a foreigner.

As Kang Woo-jin had thought, even in Hollywood, with its enormous star power, there wasn’t anything particularly special. Until just before, he had been a bit nervous because it was his first Hollywood script reading, but the familiar atmosphere calmed him down.

However, his mindset was a bit different from usual.

His fighting spirit had risen. Kang Woo-jin was the only Korean actor in this script reading, and he was also the male lead of ‘Pierrot: The Birth of a Villain.’ Although the reading environment was almost the same, the background and the people were clearly different. If script readings in Korea were a war to maintain his image, here it was a battlefield where he had to showcase his pride as a representative of Korea.

When he passed through this hallway and arrived at the reading room, numerous Hollywood actors would be lined up.

‘They’re all going to be watching me, right?’

They would definitely be judging Kang Woo-jin. He was the only Korean actor and the male lead in ‘Pierrot: The Birth of a Villain,’ and he was currently the center of several issues shaking up Hollywood. It was natural for anyone to be curious.

Is this what it feels like to be a national representative?

No one had particularly challenged him, but a surge of heat rose in Woo-jin’s heart. It wasn’t so much about suppressing everyone, but more about making sure they knew. Something along the lines of ‘I am Kang Woo-jin’?

But there was no need to overdo it.

‘If I overdo it and act too tough, I’ll look weak. Yeah, that’s right. Be moderately cool, flexible, and composed. But when it’s time to show my skills, do it properly.’

As Kang Woo-jin reached the reading room, the back of a somewhat familiar Hollywood top actor was the first thing he saw. It was Chris Hartnett. He was talking to the people inside the reading room.

“And I didn’t even try to audition. I gave up after seeing Kang Woo-jin’s acting. Should I say I lost my will to fight?”

What the heck was this guy talking about? Woo-jin maintained a nonchalant expression, but he was quite surprised inside.

‘What? What is it?!’

It was strange that he was talking about himself, but it was even stranger that Chris was casually spouting such sensitive things.

‘Is this what Hollywood is like? So open. Or is that guy just weird?’

He wanted to observe more, but Woo-jin first made his presence known to Chris in a low tone of English.

“Hello, Chris.”

Chris Hartnett flinched slightly and turned around, and Woo-jin, who had already adopted his deep persona, calmly and deliberately entered the reading room. A square table was placed in the center of the wide space, with foreign actors seated around it, and dozens of chairs were placed on the left as well.

“······”

Kang Woo-jin quietly scanned the numerous foreigners. There was no significant change in his expression. What was unusual was that the reading room, filled with foreigners, was extremely quiet. And all of the Hollywood actors, including everyone else, were staring at Woo-jin. It was a situation that could be quite burdensome, but Kang Woo-jin showed no reaction.

At that moment.

-Swish.

Chris Hartnett, with his attractive dark brown eyes, approached Kang Woo-jin. He smiled faintly.

“It’s been a while. The difference in your aura compared to when I last saw you is significant.”

He was mentioning several things related to Hollywood, including the ‘Emmy Award’ for Best Actor. Kang Woo-jin, who briefly shook hands with Chris, gave a short reply.

“Thank you for the support you sent via DM [Direct Message].”

“What are you talking about? We’re friends.”

Friends? With whom? With me? He tilted his head inwardly, but outwardly, Kang Woo-jin nodded nonchalantly.

“That’s right.”

Even while Woo-jin was having a casual conversation with Chris, the reading room was silent except for the two of them. However, everyone was sizing up the newly arrived Kang Woo-jin.

The invited foreign reporters too.

‘Indeed—that composure, the atmosphere itself is something special.’

‘It’s his first script reading in Hollywood, but… should I say he’s completely unshaken and upright? Arrogance? No, is he just that strong?’

The team members, staff, and production crew of the actors, and especially the Hollywood actors seated at the square table, were buzzing with their inner thoughts.

‘It’s natural as the male lead, but he’s not intimidated at all, and his aura is heavy.’

‘Is he close with Chris? More than that, even though a lot of things are happening, his Hollywood debut hasn’t been long—why is he so relaxed?’

‘He doesn’t look awkward… but he’s more cynical than I thought? Is that his original character?’

‘He definitely doesn’t have a typical aura.’

Silent but intense internal evaluations of Kang Woo-jin were being exchanged. Overall, Woo-jin’s evaluation was ‘He’s definitely not ordinary.’ The core of that extraordinary Kang Woo-jin was slightly flustered and amazed.

‘Oh, wow—there are so many actors. I’ve seen that actor and that actor a lot, and that actor too!’

There were many familiar Hollywood actors. He felt like he had made it big.

‘You never know what will happen in life. Who would have thought I’d be doing a script reading with them?’

Then, after giving a casual greeting to the foreigners around him, including Chris, Kang Woo-jin moved. He was a bit annoyed by the excessive attention. Kang Woo-jin glanced around to check his seat.

-[Henry Gordon/Kang Woo-jin]

It was the seat of the male lead of ‘Pierrot: The Birth of a Villain’ and also the first character of the ‘Cinematic Universe’ that ‘Columbia Studios’ had bet their future on.

-Swish.

As Woo-jin sat down, a strange tension spread throughout the reading room, and the executives of ‘Columbia Studios’ positioned in the back slowly nodded their heads.

‘The first villain’s presence has to be at least that level.’

They were already captivated by Kang Woo-jin’s persona. Soon, Chris sat down to Kang Woo-jin’s right. With his seating, there were no empty seats at the square table for the actors.

All the actors had arrived.

Then.

-Flash! Flash! Flash!

Numerous shutter sounds were heard. The reporters had begun taking pictures of the completed ‘Pierrot: The Birth of a Villain’ lineup.

Of course.

‘With Kang Woo-jin at the center.’

‘The main focus is that Kang Woo-jin.’

Woo-jin was in every photo, without exception. Chris on the right was too.

At that moment.

-Swish.

Several people additionally appeared in the overheated reading room. Another Korean with a wrinkled face. Director Ahn Ga-bok and a woman with a sharp impression. That is, the general producer of ‘Pierrot: The Birth of a Villain.’ As soon as Director Ahn Ga-bok entered the reading room, he greeted several people, starting with the film company executives, but also.

“······”

He made eye contact with Kang Woo-jin, who was sitting in the male lead’s seat.

‘It suits him well, is this the second time since ‘Leech’?’

The situation, the actors, and the background of Hollywood were different from the past, but there was one commonality between the ‘Leech’ days and now. The general director was Ahn Ga-bok, and Kang Woo-jin was the male lead.

Thus, Director Ahn Ga-bok and the producer moved to their seats.

Director Ahn Ga-bok, who pulled out the head seat from the square table to Woo-jin’s immediate left, said quietly while looking at Kang Woo-jin. It was in Korean.

“Let’s enjoy it, and take it easy, take it easy.”

Shortly after.

With Director Ahn Ga-bok’s entrance, the script reading for ‘Pierrot: The Birth of a Villain’ began in earnest. In the wide reading room, at least a hundred foreigners, including dozens of Hollywood actors, were gathered. It was Director Ahn Ga-bok who commanded the atmosphere.

“Hello, I am Director Ahn Ga-bok, who is in charge of directing ‘Pierrot: The Birth of a Villain.’”

As he greeted, applause erupted. The next greeting was from the general producer, and Director Ahn Ga-bok continued.

“First of all, thank you for joining ‘Pierrot: The Birth of a Villain.’ There is a lot of interest, and as it is the beginning of the grand ‘Cinematic Universe’ project, we will do our best. I think everyone feels the same way, please take care of us. The scenarios are all prepared, but you can use your own.”

A serious atmosphere had already spread. Kang Woo-jin’s expression was also very stiff. However, Woo-jin was deep in his own thoughts.

‘Wow—damn, that old man is something else. No, Director Ahn’s English skills have improved a lot??’

Soon, Director Ahn Ga-bok began introducing the actors.

“Kang Woo-jin as Henry Gordon.”

Woo-jin, who was startled by his own thoughts, immediately corrected his persona. He stood up smoothly and spoke in a very heavy English.

“I’m Kang Woo-jin, I look forward to a fun shoot.”

A very simple greeting. The Hollywood actors were slightly surprised by this. Some narrowed their brows.

‘Is he nervous? He doesn’t look like it.’

Regardless, Director Ahn Ga-bok continued introducing the actors. Next was Chris Hartnett. Unlike Woo-jin, he mixed jokes into his greeting. After that, the introduction of all the actors took about 30 minutes. After introducing the general producer, key staff, and ‘Columbia Studios’ executives, an hour had passed.

Finally.

-Flap.

Director Ahn Ga-bok, with his wrinkled face, unfolded the script. Following him, Kang Woo-jin, Chris, and all the other Hollywood actors took the same action. The filming crew checked the cameras installed everywhere, and the reporters and other people focused their attention on the actors.

To be precise, most of them were looking at Kang Woo-jin.

The script reading for ‘Pierrot: The Birth of a Villain’ officially started with Director Ahn Ga-bok’s words.

“A bus is driving on a night road.”

Of course, the stage directions and other supplementary parts were handled by Director Ahn Ga-bok. The starting point of ‘Pierrot: The Birth of a Villain’ was not ‘Henry Gordon,’ but rather a brief glimpse of the awakened ‘Joker’ form. Director Ahn Ga-bok, who was reading the stage directions, passed the baton to Kang Woo-jin.

“······”

Woo-jin now was already ‘Henry Gordon.’ No, he had already embodied ‘Joker.’ Chris and the surrounding Hollywood actors disappeared as if they were acting. All he could see was a bus full of graffiti. The bus’s exhaust sound rang in his ears. Slightly wet red hair poked at his eyes.

“Hoo-”

He roughly swept his hair back.

Madness coursed through his veins. It seeped into his organs and brain. Tragedy and comedy coexisted. Emotions soared. There was no need to list them. You guys wouldn’t understand me anyway.

Kang Woo-jin’s lips stretched open. He laughed.

It might be right to express it as ‘laughed,’ but there was no other way. It was a very chilling expression and gaze. Tragedy and comedy coexisted on his face. It was scary enough to make you want to run away, but it was also strangely captivating.

The eyes of the dozens of Hollywood actors who experienced Kang Woo-jin’s ‘Henry Gordon’ for the first time widened.

“······”

“······”

Some slightly opened their mouths, and others narrowed their brows with faces that seemed to say, ‘What is that?’ Then, it was time for the thugs who were acting like punks in the script to appear. Since they were minor roles, the lines were handled by Director Ahn Ga-bok and the producer.

Violence was exchanged. Kang Woo-jin’s lips stretched open even more.

“Heeuh-”

Although he wasn’t actually being stepped on, Woo-jin’s laughter became more intense, and his madness deepened.

“Kekeke! Hahaha! Hahahahaha!”

His bizarre laughter enveloped the entire reading room. From here, goosebumps rose on the arms of all the dozens of staff members and reporters.

‘As soon as the script reading started, that level of acting came out right away?’

However, the progress did not stop. This time, Director Ahn Ga-bok became the bus driver and spoke his lines.

“Y-you! You’re crazy!”

Kang Woo-jin, tilting his head slightly, retorted.

“Crazy? That’s a compliment, isn’t it?”

In this scene, which was less than 10 minutes long, the perception of all the actors watching Kang Woo-jin changed.

‘······‘Joker’.’

‘My god, it’s like he tore through the script and came into reality?’

‘I saw some damn acting, but why am I seeing things?’

The Woo-jin who had been sitting was nowhere to be seen. He had been replaced by a white and red painted ‘Pierrot’ [a clown-like character, often associated with sadness or madness].

But it didn’t last long.

“A man wearing a worn-out zip-up hoodie is walking down the street.”

The stage direction that Director Ahn Ga-bok recited signaled a scene change. Then, Woo-jin’s madness-filled laughter disappeared completely. It was instantaneous. And the current Kang Woo-jin was.

“What?”

“Ah, no. I’m…”

He was the weak ‘Henry Gordon’ with slumped shoulders. It was as if he was a different person. But he wasn’t just a fool. Although his expression and gestures were weak, there was a faint anger hidden in Woo-jin’s eyes. It could be felt in his breathing and the intensity of his lines that were expressed momentarily.

The madness hadn’t disappeared. It was hidden in the abyss.

The Hollywood actors who were admiring Woo-jin’s absurd acting method.

‘······I see why he was chosen for ‘Henry Gordon’.’

They gradually acknowledged it.

‘I can’t believe what I’m seeing, how can he do such high-level acting so casually?’

‘Method? No—that’s something higher than that. Amazing, he was good enough to push out Chris.’

‘Damn. The goosebumps won’t go away, honestly, I thought it would feel out of place… not at all. That’s not acting—it’s just ‘Joker’ himself??’

They understood why a Korean actor named Kang Woo-jin was sitting in the male lead’s seat of this huge project, ahead of Chris.

‘There’s no need to analyze it. I was engrossed in watching, if the acting is at that level, how could they not give him the role of ‘Henry Gordon’.’

The Hollywood actors who were positioned were deeply shocked. At the same time, they neatly erased the curiosity and suspicion they had at the beginning.

‘He’s crazy, it feels like I’m in the same space as ‘Joker.’ Chris was right to give up on the audition.’

At this point, not acknowledging Kang Woo-jin was just stubbornness. Around this time, ‘Henry Gordon’s’ scene ended. Director Ahn Ga-bok uttered a small ‘cut’ before moving on to the next scene. Since it was the first gathering of the actors, he gave them time to align their breathing in between. Soon, a buzz filled the reading room. Reporters and staff alike were busy talking to each other.

At this moment.

“Mr. Kang Woo-jin.”

Chris, who was slightly tilting his head, asked Woo-jin, who was looking at the script with a nonchalant face.

“It feels a bit different from the audition, it seems like you’ve lost some power.”

Woo-jin, who had been looking at him for a moment, replied simply.

“It’s just a script reading, so I did it moderately.”

It was the truth.

The faces of the dozens of Hollywood actors who were gathered instantly crumpled noticeably.

‘What? Moderately?’