I was Mistaken as a Monstrous Genius Actor [EN]: Chapter 48

Kang Woo-jin’s appearance in ‘Errand Agency’ captivated the attention of several big shots, and as the scene shifted to the villa, the tension reached its peak.

-Saaa.

The realistic sound quality was remarkable. The combination of the scene and the sound made the villa on the screen eerily desolate. Kim Ryu-jin’s urgent expression in that cut added to the chilling atmosphere. It was enough to make dozens of directors watching it swallow hard.

At that moment.

[“Ugh.”]

In the midst of the heightened tension, Kim Ryu-jin on the screen clumsily fell. That meticulous movement eased the tension for the big-shot audience members. In fact, about half of them chuckled. Of course, there were also those who were impressed by Kang Woo-jin’s acting.

In that way, ‘Errand Agency’ gradually drew the audience into the horror of sound.

At the forefront was Kim Ryu-jin of ‘Errand Agency,’ trapped in a confined space. The rustling sound from somewhere, the woman’s breathing heard while hiding, the footsteps of a sturdy man searching for her, and so on. The drama moved quickly, but Kim Ryu-jin’s facial expressions on the screen were truly a masterpiece.

Tension, urgency, relief, flinching, tension again, fear, and then relief again.

There wasn’t much dialogue. However, everything was conveyed through Kim Ryu-jin’s expressions and movements. Her eyes were constantly filled with anxiety, and her breathing was shaky. It was meticulous yet precarious.

That’s why everyone was completely immersed in Kim Ryu-jin.

‘Errand Agency’ itself used editing that didn’t allow for a moment to look away. After Kim Ryu-jin entered the villa, there was no time to rest. It was a clear difference in quality from the other short films that had been shown so far, and the judges sitting in a row on the left side of the theater couldn’t help but let out small exclamations.

“…Where on earth did that actor come from?”

“I’m telling you! Look at the twitching under his eyes. The skill gap is too big compared to other actors.”

“But has anyone seen that actor before? He’s so unfamiliar to me.”

At this point.

“It’s understandable that you don’t know him. He’s from overseas.”

A host appeared to spread the rumor. It was Director Kwon Ki-taek among the judges.

“I heard he lived abroad for quite a long time.”

As the information poured out, the judges’ eyes widened.

“Huh? Director Kwon, do you know him?”

“An actor you know?”

“Overseas? Where?”

Director Kwon Ki-taek answered quietly to the questions.

“I don’t know exactly either, I just heard about it through a connection.”

Following the drama version that had increased in popularity, the number of individuals intrigued by the actor increased rapidly in the film industry as well. The decibel level of the applause that erupted when ‘Errand Agency’ finished was.

-Clap clap clap clap clap clap clap!!

It was by far the most intense of any work.

Two days later, May 7th.

The screening schedule of the ‘Mise-en-scène Short Film Festival,’ which had been full of energy the previous day, was over. Now, only one thing remained: the closing and awards ceremony, which would be held soon. It was a little past 2 PM, and the start was at 3 PM. The venue for the closing and awards ceremony was inside the headquarters of the ‘Mise-en-scène Film Festival’ sponsor, which had changed.

Specifically, the event hall inside the headquarters.

It was a medium-sized hall where various events were held. There were seats for 500 people and a fairly large stage at the front. The inside of the hall and the area in front of the entrance were, well, chaotic.

“Oh my, Writer Park! It’s been a while, haha.”

“Oh my, Manager Kim. How have you been?”

“I’m doing well. Haha, I’m looking forward to your new drama!”

The seats inside the hall were already more than half full, including writer Park Eun-mi, who was invited to the closing and awards ceremony. Everyone had assigned seats, but they were all busy walking around and greeting the people they needed to.

“Oh, Su-jeong! Did you enjoy the movie? You should work with us on your next project!”

“Your film company has been a bit quiet lately, hasn’t it?”

“Ah, we don’t have anything in the first half of the year, but we’re going to put some effort into the second half, you know?”

There were probably more than 50 people? In addition, the area in front of the hall entrance was quite crowded. There were at least 30 people mixed together, making it chaotic. People greeting each other, a dozen or so reporters with cameras, guests entering one after another, and so on.

The reporters were busy flashing their cameras from their designated spots.

-Flash flash flash flash flash!

-Flash flash flash flash flash flash!

And at the photo zone with the logos of the ‘Mise-en-scène Film Festival’ and the sponsor, actors and famous directors were striking poses. Anyway, at the moment, at least 100 people had gathered for the closing and awards ceremony.

In such a place.

-Swoosh.

The ‘Errand Agency’ team had just arrived. Director Shin Dong-chun, Hong Hye-yeon, and Kang Woo-jin, who was dressed in a suit. The suit Woo-jin was wearing was tailored, and the fit was perfect. His lightly styled hair and makeup were also perfect. It seemed like stylist Han Ye-jeong had put in a lot of effort.

Today, he was truly radiating the aura of an actor. His solemn expression also played a part.

However.

‘…Crazy. What is this place? There are so many people. Ugh, my legs are shaking.’

Contrary to his composed appearance, Kang Woo-jin’s legs were slightly trembling. It was a sight he had never seen before. Famous actors he had only seen on TV were everywhere, and flashes were going off so much that it was blinding. What is this? Is this the world I live in? It wouldn’t be strange if it were another world.

‘I feel nauseous.’

At that moment.

“Woo-jin.”

Hong Hye-yeon, who was standing next to him, called out to Kang Woo-jin. For reference, she was also wearing a suit, but the pants she wore were wide-legged. It had a very stylish feel.

“Have you been to a film festival before?”

“…No.”

“But why don’t you have any reaction at all? Well, even though it’s a small short film festival, it’s still the ‘Mise-en-scène Film Festival.’”

Small? Here? Kang Woo-jin felt that the large film festivals he might go to someday were very far away. Meanwhile, the square-jawed Director Shin Dong-chun patted his chest.

“Oh, I’ve been to the broadcasting awards ceremony often, but coming here as a director makes me a bit nervous.”

Hong Hye-yeon’s reply was quick.

“You’re the leader, director, so you shouldn’t be like that. Straighten your shoulders, straighten your shoulders.”

“L-like this?”

“A bit more.”

“This much?”

“More, more.”

As expected of a top actress. Hong Hye-yeon was overflowing with composure. Of course, she would be. She had been to these kinds of events countless times. At this moment, several people around the entrance of the hall noticed the ‘Errand Agency’ team.

“Oh, Hye-yeon!”

Someone called out to Hong Hye-yeon, and that became the starting point, drawing the attention of almost everyone, including the reporters. Interest poured in along with the flashes. Of course, it was all because of Hong Hye-yeon.

“Hye-yeon! Is there a reason why you suddenly filmed a short film?!”

“The short film you filmed has received a lot of praise! Hye-yeon! How do you feel?!”

“Hong Hye-yeon! This way, this way! Please strike a pose!”

There was a lot of chaotic shouting. Of course, it only felt that way to Kang Woo-jin. However, Hong Hye-yeon, who was smiling smoothly.

-Swoosh.

She met the gaze of a dozen or so reporters and linked arms with Kang Woo-jin. At that moment, Kang Woo-jin flinched. What was that? Why was she linking arms? As Woo-jin looked at Hong Hye-yeon with a blank expression, Hong Hye-yeon, pouting her lips, whispered softly.

“I know you don’t like this kind of thing, but you have to act friendly in front of reporters. Just bear with it.”

Anything for you. Kang Woo-jin barely suppressed his twitching lips and faced the reporters who were flashing their cameras. In his mind, he was muttering something like, ‘I have another thing to brag about to my three best friends.’

For the next few tens of minutes, the ‘Errand Agency’ team had to navigate through the crowd.

“Haha, Hye-yeon. You filmed another short film while you were in a drama? Amazing, amazing.”

“It’s nothing. It didn’t even take a few days to film.”

“I was so surprised to see you suddenly appear in a movie, Hye-yeon.”

As expected, actors, directors, and other related people all talked only to Hong Hye-yeon. Occasionally, they would talk to Director Shin Dong-chun as well. Only Kang Woo-jin was not spoken to. This was rather fortunate for Woo-jin.

The funny thing was.

-Swoosh.

No matter who it was, they would always look at Kang Woo-jin very carefully after the conversation ended. It was as if they were assessing Woo-jin’s face and overall physique.

At this, Kang Woo-jin tilted his head in his mind.

‘Well, they’re probably just looking because my face is unfamiliar.’

He brushed it off. Right at that moment.

“Hello! You’re the ‘Errand Agency’ team, right?! Please enter the hall right away!”

A staff member from the film festival ran over and gestured towards the inside of the hall. The ‘Errand Agency’ team entered the hall as they were. At the same time, the glances of the 50 or so people inside the hall intensified. They didn’t approach like they did outside, but they were openly or subtly watching the ‘Errand Agency’ team.

Of course.

‘Ah, it’s Writer Park.’

Writer Park Eun-mi, who was all dressed up, and Director Kwon Ki-taek, who was in the front judges’ seats, waved at Kang Woo-jin. Then, a few tens of minutes later, when everyone was seated, a staff member from the film festival, who was the host on the front stage, announced.

“Ahem, we will now begin the awards ceremony.”

For reference, Kang Woo-jin and the ‘Errand Agency’ team were sitting in the center of the entire audience. Looking around, Woo-jin was subtly rolling his eyes. It must be because he was curious about the actors sitting around him.

Anyway.

“Short film honorable mention.”

The awards ceremony properly began. The awards were presented by top actors and master directors who were invited to attend. Every time a new director went on stage to receive a plaque and a bouquet of flowers, applause poured out.

The new directors all had emotional expressions.

At this moment, the host changed the topic while speaking into the microphone.

“This next segment is an award that has been newly established this year for the actors. We will be awarding the Best Performance and the Grand Prize. First, we will proceed with the Best Performance Award.”

As soon as the host finished speaking.

-Swoosh.

Director Kwon Ki-taek from the judges’ seats went up to the stage. He was probably going to be in charge of presenting the award. Soon, the plump Director Kwon Ki-taek, who was standing in the center of the stage.

“I came last year as well, but this year’s ‘Mise-en-scène Film Festival’ was especially rich. I’ve learned a lot. Now, I will announce the winner.”

As soon as he finished speaking, he looked down at the cue card. Then, he quietly spoke the actor’s name towards the audience.

“Best Performance Award. Hong Hye-yeon of ‘Errand Agency.’ Congratulations.”

The Best Performance Award went to Hong Hye-yeon. She immediately stood up when her name was called. However, the applause was a bit weak. Rather, the murmuring of the invited actors and guests was louder.

“What? Hong Hye-yeon for Best Performance?”

“Ah, then is the Grand Prize for Park Jeong-hyeok?”

“Did you see Park Jeong-hyeok today? I don’t think I saw him.”

“But Hong Hye-yeon was pushed out by Park Jeong-hyeok?”

Regardless, Hong Hye-yeon, who had a small smile on her face, was composed as she went up to the stage. She didn’t seem to have any complaints about receiving the Best Performance Award. Then, she brushed back her long hair and stood in front of the pot-bellied Director Kwon Ki-taek.

The trophy was immediately handed over.

“Congratulations.”

“Thank you, director.”

The trophy she received had a camera shape with the ‘Mise-en-scène Film Festival’ logo on it. Next was Hong Hye-yeon’s acceptance speech. However, Hong Hye-yeon, who was quietly looking down at the trophy, didn’t open her mouth for a while. About 10 seconds or so.

Only then did Hong Hye-yeon open her mouth to the hundred or so audience members.

“First of all, thank you. To be honest, I had emptied my mind? Because the other actors were so good at acting. So, I was a bit surprised.”

As expected, she rattled off her acceptance speech without any hesitation.

“And I would like to thank Director Shin Dong-chun, who made ‘Errand Agency’ so amazing, the staff who worked hard together for a short period, and the actors who acted with me.”

Hong Hye-yeon, who was about to finish her restrained acceptance speech without overdoing it, suddenly said.

“Ah, just one more thing.”

She added to her acceptance speech while looking at Kang Woo-jin, who was sitting in the middle of the seats.

“Congratulations in advance.”

Thanks to that, many people tilted their heads. What was she congratulating him for? However, Hong Hye-yeon didn’t explain and bowed to everyone again before returning to her seat.

At the same time.

“Congratulations, next is the Grand Prize for acting.”

The host announced the next segment.

“The award will be presented by Director Tanoguchi Kyotaro, who has thankfully accepted our invitation.”

The Grand Prize for acting. That is, the best actor among the actors who appeared in this year’s ‘Mise-en-scène Short Film Festival.’ The guests who hadn’t seen the short films mostly predicted that Park Jeong-hyeok would win since Hong Hye-yeon had received the Best Performance Award.

Soon.

-Swoosh.

Director Kyotaro, with his short hair full of gray, went up to the stage. He was a master director with the strongest recognition in Japan. He, who had graced the ‘Mise-en-scène Film Festival’ with a special invitation this time, had a pleasant smile on his face.

“光栄です.(It’s an honor.)”

He gave a short speech to the audience.

“Thank you for giving me the opportunity to be on this precious stage. As a director who loves art and short films regardless of nationality, I will do my best.”

His words were quickly translated into Korean by a male interpreter standing next to him, and as soon as the translation was over, Director Kyotaro looked down at the cue card that was handed to him.

“Grand Prize for acting…”

Finally, Director Kotaro shouted into the standing microphone.

“Congratulations, actor Kang Woo-jin of ‘Errand Agency’!”

Kang Woo-jin. The completely unknown Kang Woo-jin was called as the winner of the Grand Prize for acting at the ‘Mise-en-scène Film Festival.’ Moreover, ‘Errand Agency’ swept the acting awards. What was unusual was that, unlike before, applause didn’t immediately come from the dozens of invited guests.

“…Kang who?”

“Huh? Kang Woo-jin?”

“Huh? Not Park Jeong-hyeok?”

“Who is Kang…Woo-jin? I’ve never heard of him before.”

“So, does that mean that an actor named Kang Woo-jin beat Hong Hye-yeon?”

“Is he unknown? Where is he?”

Many actors and related people, etc. If they hadn’t seen ‘Errand Agency’ or didn’t know Kang Woo-jin, it was a natural reaction. Therefore, everyone looked around with unfamiliar faces. Who is he? Who is he? Then, applause came out in a daze.

-Clap clap clap clap clap.

Kang Woo-jin, who had a calm expression, stood up from the middle of the seats. Only then did everyone change their expressions to something like, ‘Ah, is that him?’

“Isn’t he happy? His expression is so cold.”

“Isn’t it because he’s too nervous?”

“He looks too calm for that, though.”

“I’ve never seen him before. Does anyone know him?”

“It’s an acting award, but he’s too unknown? Wow, an unknown person pushed out the top.”

Ignoring the small murmurs that were coming out, Woo-jin, with a composed expression, walked towards the stage. There was no hesitation or trembling. He was just calm. However, the rhythm of his walk was very slightly off. It wasn’t noticeable.

And so.

“…”

The cool Kang Woo-jin in a full suit went up to the stage where Director Kyotaro was standing. Director Kyotaro, with his hair full of gray, sparkled his eyes as soon as Woo-jin stood in front of him. It was like he had witnessed the treasure he had been wanting. At this point, the male interpreter standing next to Director Kyotaro spoke to Kang Woo-jin.

“You’re standing too far back.”

“Should I move forward a bit?”

“Yes, yes.”

“I’m sorry.”

“It’s okay.”

Then, Director Kyotaro received the trophy and bouquet from a nearby staff member and handed them to Kang Woo-jin, and spoke in Japanese with a joyful tone.

“Congratulations. Your work was truly amazing.”

It was a short Japanese sentence, but just as the interpreter was about to react.

“ありがとうございます, 監督.(Thank you, director.)”

The poker-faced Kang Woo-jin replied first in a low and fluent Japanese.

“It’s an honor that you liked ‘Errand Agency.’”

At that moment, the interpreter next to him blinked his eyes as he looked at the indifferent Kang Woo-jin.

‘What, what is he? Why is his pronunciation better than mine??’

End