I was Mistaken as a Monstrous Genius Actor [EN]: Chapter 461

The team members swarmed around the dazed Hwa-rin. The concert rehearsal was just around the corner, and her condition was far from good.

“Hwa-rin! What’s wrong! Snap out of it!”

“Dream… It’s a dream. A dream.”

“What?? Why is she like this! A dream, she says?!”

Several people rushed over and shook the spaced-out Hwa-rin. Soon, the members of her girl group, Elani, joined in.

“Huh?? Unnie [older sister/term of endearment for a female friend]! Unnie?? What’s wrong? Why is she like this?”

“Hwa-rin! Please, come to your senses!”

“No, she was just looking at her phone, and then suddenly…!”

Soon, the phone in Hwa-rin’s hand was passed to one of the members. The funny thing was.

“What did she see that made her— Huh?”

The member’s eyes widened as she looked at Hwa-rin’s phone screen.

“OMG!! OMG!!! This is crazy!! Everyone, look at this!”

What she showed was an article from Korea.

『[Breaking News] Kang Woo-jin and Miley Cara in Love… Dating Rumors Break Out in Hollywood/Photo』

Soon, several people checked the article and made a fuss. Their eyes were all filled with shock and disbelief.

“Oh my! Are they dating?? For real? Is this not just a rumor?”

“Wait a minute! Let me look for other articles!”

“Wow—there are so many articles now?? Not just in Korea, but even here in Japan!!”

“Hollywood is going crazy too!”

“Kang Woo-jin dating Miley Cara… It’s kind of surreal. Not in a bad way, but I’m genuinely surprised.”

“They do look good together, honestly. Kang Woo-jin is a world star now, isn’t he?”

“He’s not just at that level, he’s surpassed it! But is this real?? There are articles everywhere, but there’s no statement from either Kang Woo-jin or Miley Cara?”

“They probably got caught by paparazzi and are trying to match their stories.”

“It could just be a rumor that they decided to release.”

“But if they’re really dating, isn’t this a global couple?”

Amidst all the speculation and excitement, one of the Elani members suddenly realized that Hwa-rin had disappeared. The member looked around, searching for her. Fortunately, Hwa-rin was sitting on a nearby sofa.

However.

“Kang Woo-jin and Miley Cara are dating, but why is she like this??”

Hwa-rin, sitting on the sofa, had her eyes fixed on the air, her soul seemingly still gone.

“······”

At this point, one of the team members chimed in.

“But if they’re really dating—when we watch ‘Beast and Beauty,’ won’t we be super focused?”

After that.

The dating rumor about Kang Woo-jin spread like wildfire among the Japanese public, not just Hwa-rin’s team. The topic itself was a big deal, but it was even more so because it was about Kang Woo-jin and Miley Cara.

“Did you see that Kang Woo-jin and Miley Cara are dating??”

“Yeah! There are so many articles about it now!”

“Uramatsu Mihuyu from ‘Strange Geisha’ showed a lot of interest in Kang Woo-jin on a variety show before—I guess she’s out of the running.”

In the morning, the Japanese public was busy talking about Kang Woo-jin’s dating rumor.

So, what about Korea?

『Kang Woo-jin♥Miley Cara in Love, Dating Rumors Rock Hollywood!』

『[Star Photo] Miley Cara Leaving Kang Woo-jin’s LA Home Late at Night/Photo』

『‘World Star’ Couple Born! The Main Characters are Kang Woo-jin and Miley Cara』

In short, it was a jackpot. That’s how much the whole country was buzzing. The news from Hollywood didn’t care about the time difference.

『Kang Woo-jin and Miley Cara’s Dating Rumors Rock Hollywood!』

『[International Topic] The Huge Overseas Community Reddit is on Fire: “Kang Woo-jin and Miley Cara are Dating?!”』

It spread like wildfire everywhere in Korea, both online and offline.

Dating rumors.

It’s probably the topic that the domestic media and public like and enjoy the most. Moreover, Kang Woo-jin is already a legend in Korea, having achieved so much and with more to come. Kang Woo-jin, who has given the nation a strong sense of national pride.

This was his first dating rumor.

『[Star Talk] ‘Kang Woo-jin’ is the Man of World-Renowned Actress and Pop Star Miley Cara? Still Just Speculation, Neither Actor Has Made a Statement』

It was only natural that the domestic media and public were going half-crazy with excitement.

-Kang Woo-jin and Miley Cara are dating? Is what I’m seeing real?

-OMG!! Is it real???

-Sigh… I’m happy for Woo-jin oppa [older brother/term of endearment for a male friend], but seeing the dating article makes me sad…

-His first dating rumor breaks out in Hollywood, lol. Kang Woo-jin’s class is amazing.

-Guys, Kang Woo-jin’s dating rumor isn’t confirmed yet, lol. Neither of them has admitted it yet.

-Some foreign media might have started a rumor, and it gained momentum and spread here.

-If it’s a rumor, the foreign media outlet that started it will be ruined, lol. The situation has gotten too big, lol.

-I’ve never seen anything like this… Miley Cara dating a Korean actor…

-But they have worked together a lot, lol. I hope they’re happy together.

-If it’s real, a global couple is born!!

The entertainment industry in Korea was the same. BW Entertainment, Kang Woo-jin’s agency, was flooded with calls, and actors like Hong Hye-yeon and Ryu Jeong-min, who were in the same agency, were in a frenzy.

“No way!!! Why isn’t Sung-geon oppa [older brother/term of endearment for a male friend] answering his phone?!”

“Hey, Hong Hye-yeon, why are you so excited?”

Everyone in Korea who knew Kang Woo-jin was watching with interest. And Woo-jin’s family. Kang Woo-cheol, Seo Hyun-mi, and Kang Hyun-ah. They, too, naturally heard about Kang Woo-jin’s dating rumor.

Kang Woo-cheol was flustered.

“O-Our son is dating?”

Seo Hyun-mi was calm.

“It’s not strange, is it? He’s at that age.”

“Then, is this Hollywood actress going to be our daughter-in-law?”

“Are you crazy? You’re going too far, come back.”

“Hmm—I can accept a blonde daughter-in-law.”

“Are you really out of your mind?”

Woo-jin’s parents were surprisingly not that surprised. Perhaps it was because they didn’t know much about Hollywood. On the other hand, his younger sister, Kang Hyun-ah, had been searching for articles on her phone and screaming since earlier.

“Wow!! No! Wow!!! This is crazy!”

However, Kang Woo-jin’s family had other things to worry about besides the dating rumor. Seo Hyun-mi smacked Kang Hyun-ah’s butt and said.

“Stop freaking out and go pack! You were the one who was making a fuss about leaving in two days!”

“But Mom! My oppa is dating Miley Cara??!! Miley Cara is a top star in Hollywood! Ugh! And my oppa isn’t answering his phone!”

“Are you crazy! You’re supposed to be the president of your oppa’s fan club! Stop thinking about interfering with your oppa’s work and go pack!!”

They were scheduled to leave for LA exactly two days later, on the 5th.

“Oh, by the way, being able to see Woo-jin’s Hollywood movie there—I’m so excited.”

Because they had received an invitation from Kang Woo-jin.

A ticket to see ‘Pierrot.’

It was one of the 33 theaters that would have a pre-release on the 9th. Therefore, Kang Woo-cheol, Seo Hyun-mi, and Kang Hyun-ah were soon leaving for LA.

“We’ll be able to see Woo-jin’s face, right?”

“Of course, they said there’s a stage greeting, so he’ll show his face for a bit.”

“Will the movie theater be full of foreigners?”

Of course, they weren’t the only ones who would be in LA around the 9th.

“Mom, Dad! The movie theater won’t just be full of foreigners that day! I heard that Korean actors and other people involved will also be there! ‘Pierrot’ was directed by Ahn Ga-bok!”

Quite a few people from Korea were planning to go.

February 5th, LA. Morning.

Hollywood was buzzing with many issues. But the most explosive of them was the dating rumor between Kang Woo-jin and Miley Cara that had broken out two days ago. The articles were already all over the US, including Hollywood. And now, it was even hotter.

And that wasn’t all.

Starting from social media, their names were trending on YouTube and online communities. The attention was so immense that Kang Woo-jin and Miley Cara’s social media and YouTube channels were almost overwhelmed.

It was impossible to gauge the mood of the global public.

That’s how vast the reaction was, even at this very moment. Meanwhile, a blonde woman had just gotten into a van for a scheduled move. It was Miley Cara. Because of the issue that had broken out, she was wearing a hat, and as soon as the car started, the manager with a buzz cut sitting next to her let out a long sigh.

“Hoo- what the heck is going on?”

Cara, who was looking out the window, smiled faintly.

“Jonathan. Stop it, you’ve been saying that since yesterday.”

“Look, Miley. Are you really just going to watch this play out? No matter how I look at it, I think we need to take some action.”

“I am taking action. By doing nothing.”

“······Do you know that the whole world that knows you is in an uproar right now?”

The manager, who sighed again, suddenly threw something at Cara.

“Did you really tell Kang Woo-jin that you liked him first?”

“Yeah.”

“Really?”

“How many times are you going to ask?”

The manager, scratching his head, replied.

“I can’t imagine it, Miley Cara confessing to a guy first-”

Cara, as if it was none of her business, smiled and showed her phone to the manager. On the screen, one of the two photos from the dating rumor article was displayed, the one where Kang Woo-jin and Cara were talking.

“Doesn’t this photo look good? I should save it.”

“······Yeah. It looks good. Hoo-”

The manager, who couldn’t stop sighing, said as if he had almost given up.

“So, how long are you going to leave this situation as is?”

Cara, shifting her crossed legs, shrugged her shoulders.

“Let’s just leave it for now, I’m curious to see what Kang Woo-jin does.”

“Kang Woo-jin isn’t saying anything either? What if you both stay silent for too long? No, that won’t do, useless rumors will spread and your image will get worse.”

Miley Cara, with a slightly mischievous expression, murmured.

“Then, I’ll just announce it, that we’re not dating but I confessed first.”

At that moment, the manager’s mouth dropped open.

At the same time, at ‘Columbia Studios’.

The ‘Pierrot: Birth of a Villain’ team gathered in the conference room. It was only the production staff, excluding the actors, and director Ahn Ga-bok was also present. From the executives of ‘Columbia Studios’ to producer Nora Foster and director Ahn Ga-bok, the ‘Pierrot’ team was discussing the pre-release scheduled in 4 days.

“When will the ticket sales for the 33 theaters open?”

“In a few hours, at noon today, ticket sales for all showtimes at the 33 theaters will open simultaneously. We’ve secured plenty of screens and showtimes.”

“What about the last-minute promotion?”

“We’ve already doubled it, focusing on the pre-release date, starting a week ago.”

Then, the topic of Kang Woo-jin came up, brought up by a bald executive.

“What do you think about this issue with Kang Woo-jin and Miley Cara?”

“Honestly, it’s not a problem for us at all. Isn’t it rather a good thing?”

“That’s right, look at the media. They’re all talking about Kang Woo-jin and Miley Cara. The public opinion is even more intense.”

“I don’t know about ‘Beauty and the Beast,’ but it’s definitely a good thing for us. Kang Woo-jin has already had several issues and they’ve been a big help. And now, he’s created such a huge issue a few days before the pre-release.”

“The more Kang Woo-jin is mentioned, the more ‘Pierrot’ will also skyrocket.”

Director Ahn Ga-bok suddenly asked the executives who were talking for a while. It was about Woo-jin, but a different topic.

“Did Kang Woo-jin say he’s doing his second movie, ‘Bat: Birth of a Hero’?”

Director Ahn Ga-bok already knew about the existence of ‘Bat: Birth of a Hero,’ and the bald executive smiled and nodded.

“I was just about to mention that. I got a call from him yesterday, we need to sign the official contract, but Kang Woo-jin will be the ‘Joker’ in ‘Bat: Birth of a Hero.’”

In other words, Kang Woo-jin’s ‘Joker’ would follow ‘Pierrot.’ Then, the bald executive became serious and asked director Ahn Ga-bok.

“What do you think, director? Have you come up with an answer regarding the offer we gave you?”

All eyes, including Nora Foster’s, were on director Ahn Ga-bok, and the bald executive continued.

“We ask you to direct the birth of a hero.”

Director Ahn Ga-bok, who was lost in thought for a moment, wondering if there had been an offer before or not.

‘Honestly, I was going to take a break after Pierrot, but if I miss this moment, I feel like I’ll regret it for the rest of my life. And Kang Woo-jin is also there.’

He answered the ‘Columbia Studios’ executives in an old voice.

“Okay, I will also take on the role of director for ‘Bat: Birth of a Hero.’”

A few hours later, a little after noon.

A large filming studio in LA. Dozens of foreigners were moving busily for an actor in the filming zone. The actor in the filming zone was Kang Woo-jin, dressed neatly in a suit.

-Beep beep! Click!

“Nice! Great!”

He was currently shooting a pictorial for the cover of a famous overseas magazine. Kang Woo-jin, who had become quite accustomed to pictorial shoots, continued shooting, changing poses and suits. Meanwhile, about half of the foreign staff were whispering while looking at him. They were probably talking about the issue with Cara.

Whatever it was.

“Oh! Mr. Woo-jin! That was the best! Let’s check the remaining outfits for a bit and meet again in 10 minutes!”

Kang Woo-jin was given a break. He returned to his seat, still wearing his signature concept. The team members handed him a water bottle and his phone.

At that moment.

-Vrrr, vrrr.

Kang Woo-jin’s phone, which he had just received, vibrated loudly. He immediately checked the caller. The name ‘Chris Hartnett’ appeared in Woo-jin’s silent eyes. It was Chris who was calling. Expressionless Kang Woo-jin said inwardly.

‘Did he call to tease me again?’

When the dating rumor article broke, he received an explosion of calls from many people, and Chris Hartnett, who had become quite close to Kang Woo-jin, had also called him immediately to congratulate him. But now, with teasing mixed in. Kang Woo-jin was about to ignore the call, but he put the phone to his ear, just in case.

He deliberately lowered his voice.

“I’m busy.”

“Woo-jin, I’m at ‘Columbia Studios’ right now. Did you receive anything?”

“About what?”

“······‘Pierrot: Birth of a Villain.’ The entire ticket sales opened at noon a little while ago.”

Ah, right. Kang Woo-jin, who suddenly remembered, pretended to know.

“I know, so?”

Chris Hartnett replied immediately.

“All showtimes at all 33 theaters are sold out for the opening day, the 9th, right now.”