I Was Mistaken As A Monstrous Genius Actor [EN]: Chapter 50

The article clearly featured their son. Consequently, Woo-jin’s parents were…

“……”

They stared blankly at their son on the monitor for a while, as if they had forgotten the customer orders. This lasted about a minute. Then, Seo Hyun-mi, Woo-jin’s mother, was the first to snap out of it.

“F-first, let’s make the porridge.”

Her husband, Kang Woo-cheol, nodded absently. They quickly prepared two servings of porridge and returned to the counter monitor. Kang Woo-jin was still there in the article.

Then, Seo Hyun-mi and Kang Woo-cheol huddled together, carefully reading the article.

“‘Mise-en-scène Film Festival’? Grand Prize?”

“What time is it? This article just came out.”

“So, our son is at this film festival right now? With actors like Hong Hye-yeon?”

“Why? Why did our son win the Grand Prize for acting at this film festival?”

The couple couldn’t understand, even after reading the article. It was only a few months ago that their son, Kang Woo-jin, had declared he would become an actor. Of course, they didn’t know much about acting either.

“Usually, when you start acting, you practice and go to academies, right?”

“That’s right. I searched online, and it said you have to dedicate years of your life…”

They knew that winning an acting award in just a few months was impossible. Moreover.

“Hong Hye-yeon won the Best Actress award. Does that mean my son beat her?”

Kang Woo-jin had apparently surpassed the very famous top actress. It was impossible to understand. Suddenly, Seo Hyun-mi, remembering her son’s face, picked up her phone.

“I’ll call, I’ll call him.”

Kang Woo-cheol stopped her.

“Hey, no. What if we bother Woo-jin?”

“Ah… that’s right.”

It was then.

-♬♪

Both Seo Hyun-mi’s and Kang Woo-cheol’s phones rang with notifications. They had received texts at the same time. They checked their phones and were immediately surprised.

“Woo-jin!”

“Son!”

The sender was Kang Woo-jin. Their son, who was supposed to be at the ‘Mise-en-scène Film Festival,’ had sent the same text to both of them. The content was also the same.

-(Photo)

-I won an award for acting. It’s not a big deal since it’s a short film festival, but I’m proud. I’m sending this in case you’re worried. Don’t worry too much.

The text included a photo of the trophy.

After that.

As the ‘Mise-en-scène Short Film Festival’ was finishing its awards ceremony and holding its closing ceremony, the reporters who had attended the festival were quickly releasing the information they had gathered to the world.

『’Mise-en-scène Film Festival,’ a Grand Prize winner this year! ‘The Fixer’ wins Grand Prize, actors also sweep acting awards』

It was a short film festival, but there were quite a few interesting things that happened. Therefore, the media outlets that heard the news from the on-site reporters were slightly excited.

“Huh?? Park Jung-hyuk didn’t attend, and Hong Hye-yeon won Best Actress??! Then who won the acting Grand Prize? Huh? A nobody won it?”

It wasn’t unusual for a nobody to win an award at a festival with many newcomers, but it was unusual that Park Jung-hyuk and Hong Hye-yeon, who were known for their acting skills, were pushed aside.

『’Park Jung-hyuk’ absent, ‘Hong Hye-yeon’ wins Best Actress, rookie ‘Kang Woo-jin’ wins acting Grand Prize / Photo』

Moreover.

『[Film Festival] ‘First in History’, ‘The Fixer’ sweeps both the Grand Prize for Best Film and acting awards at the ‘Mise-en-scène Film Festival’』

The movie ‘The Fixer’ swept everything from the Grand Prize for Best Film to the newly established acting awards. This was also an unprecedented event at the prestigious ‘Mise-en-scène Film Festival.’ There were even years when the Grand Prize for Best Film wasn’t awarded at all.

Therefore, the articles quickly increased.

Of course, it wasn’t the main news. But it was valuable as a sub-article, and Kang Woo-jin’s face gradually spread across various portal sites and online communities. Naturally, this alone wouldn’t cause a rapid increase in recognition.

Most of the public would just think that a nobody actor won an award at a short film festival.

『[Mise-en-scène Film Festival] Actors who won awards get along well / Photo』

In the vast entertainment industry, Kang Woo-jin’s current recognition was still weak. However, the places that were sure to ignite were definitely on fire. Film communities, Hong Hye-yeon’s fan clubs, social media, and YouTube channels that covered the ‘Mise-en-scène Film Festival,’ etc.

Especially, those who knew Kang Woo-jin were naturally in an uproar.

For example, at the ‘Profiler Hanryang’ set.

“…Huh?! Woo-jin won the Grand Prize??”

Song Man-woo PD [Production Director], who was on set filming without Kang Woo-jin and Hong Hye-yeon, shouted while talking on the phone with someone. Who else could it be? It was Park Eun-mi, the writer who had seen everything at the ‘Mise-en-scène Film Festival.’

“Hong Star won Best Actress? Woo-jin won the Grand Prize… Ah! Then who won the Grand Prize for Best Film? ‘The Fixer’ won it??!”

“Yeah! A triple crown!”

“Wow- that’s quite impressive? The ‘Mise-en-scène Film Festival,’ which is known for being stingy with awards every year…”

“But PD-nim, should I tell you something even more absurd?”

“What else is there?”

“Woo-jin’s Japanese is also top-notch.”

“What’s that about?”

“No- he was talking to a Japanese master director as naturally as if they were friends!”

He even speaks Japanese? Just a few days ago, Kang Woo-jin was speaking English like a native. So, they were sure he had been in the United States.

“…What is it then? He’s definitely from overseas, but is he from the US or Japan? Or both??”

Kang Woo-jin was a purebred Korean, but the bearded Song Man-woo PD didn’t seem to consider that possibility at all.

Furthermore.

“Ah. But if this happens, Kang Totem will be… right on the mark again.”

Misunderstandings were piling up.

“That’s right. It’s creepy, isn’t it? I got goosebumps when Woo-jin was called as the Grand Prize winner.”

“He’s possessed, possessed. It’s not just an animalistic level, it’s a ghostly sense at this point.”

‘The Fixer,’ which was chosen by gut feeling, won everything from the Grand Prize for Best Film to the acting awards. It was definitely a typhoon. Since the ‘Mise-en-scène Film Festival’ was considered a gateway to the film industry, director Shin Dong-chun and ‘The Fixer’ were sure to be busy from tomorrow.

And that’s not all.

The actors would also have many interview requests, and while gaining moderate recognition from the public, they would also show a strong presence in the film industry. In other words, it was like making more than ten million won from ten thousand won [a huge return on investment].

A tremendous result.

Therefore, the bearded Song Man-woo PD’s pure admiration was natural.

“…Uh, anyway. Okay. I’ll let the actors know.”

This news quickly spread throughout the set by Song Man-woo PD. Dozens of staff and actors sincerely offered their congratulations. Some were directed at Kang Woo-jin and Hong Hye-yeon, but such issues could also affect the drama’s viewership ratings.

In short, it was good news for ‘Profiler Hanryang.’

Although they couldn’t yet reveal Kang Woo-jin’s role as Park Dae-ri to the world, Hong Hye-yeon alone was enough for promotional effect.

And.

-Vroom.

Thanks to the ‘Mise-en-scène Film Festival’ closing ceremony, Kang Woo-jin didn’t know, but the group chat with his close friends was also on fire.

-Daeyoung: (Article link) Hey, what the hell is this, Kang Woo-jin! You won the Grand Prize? Seriously??

-Kyungsung: WTF!! Hey, wasn’t the movie just supposed to be in the finals and then end??!

-Hyunggu: Wow… Congrats. But why did you win the Grand Prize? Is Hong Hye-yeon below you?

-Kyungsung: Congrats, my friend. But is this real? Donghwan? I can’t believe it even after seeing it. Kang Woo-jin standing next to Hong Hye-yeon is like a fantasy.

-Daeyoung: Hey! Kang Woo-jin! Ah, is this guy busy?

-Hyunggu: Let’s meet up tonight, damn it.

The trio, excited like wild horses, made plans to meet.

The same day, at night. Near Jeongja Station in Bundang.

The time was around 8 PM. The place was a chicken restaurant near Jeongja Station. The tables in the fairly large chicken restaurant were divided into indoor and outdoor terrace areas, and the familiar trio could be seen at an outdoor table.

“Wow- this chicken is good.”

“Lee Kyungsung, everything tastes good when it goes into your mouth.”

“Shut up, Na Hyunggu. What blasphemy are you uttering in front of the sacred Chicken God?”

They were Kang Woo-jin’s close friends. At that moment, Na Hyunggu, who was resting his chin on his hand, muttered while looking at Kim Daeyoung.

“Hey, Kim Daeyoung. Is it a big deal that Kang Woo-jin won the Grand Prize today?”

The burly Kim Daeyoung picked up a piece of chicken and answered.

“I don’t know either. They say it’s a newly established award this year. But a guy who acted two months ago won the Grand Prize, which is an absurd situation in the first place.”

“That’s true.”

“Even if it’s a short film festival, it’s still a major one, so the judges wouldn’t have just looked at it casually.”

“…Actually, his acting in the movie was pretty good.”

Soon, silence fell among the trio. It was because they still couldn’t believe it. It was natural. It would have been stranger if they were calm. So, the chubby Lee Kyungsung, who was munching on chicken, let out a small sigh.

“Kang Woo-jin, that bastard, is an actor- and he even won an award. When I saw the article, he didn’t seem like my friend.”

“He might not actually be your friend.”

“Do you want to die?”

“…Anyway, it means Kang Woo-jin will keep appearing in movies and dramas from now on. Wow- damn, I can’t get used to it.”

From here, the trio began to let their imaginations run wild.

Of course, it was about the future of their friend Kang Woo-jin, who had suddenly appeared as an actor. Wouldn’t he date a girl group member? Wouldn’t he be in contact with top actresses, including Hong Hye-yeon? He’d definitely marry a celebrity, right? If he gets a fan club, should we join too? And so on.

The trio exchanged numerous fantasies.

After spending about 30 minutes talking about Kang Woo-jin, Kim Daeyoung, who had been strangely quiet since earlier, suddenly downed his beer in one shot.

-Clunk!

Then, the burly Kim Daeyoung, who had slammed his beer glass on the table, opened his mouth. His expression was quite serious.

“You guys remember that I said I’m going to change jobs soon, right?”

The two friends reacted nonchalantly.

“Why are you being so serious? You’ve been saying that for two months. When are you going to do it?”

“This guy just talks like that and doesn’t do it, right? He’s just trying to get us to comfort him because he’s having a hard time.”

Kim Daeyoung dropped a bombshell.

“I actually told the company last week that I’m going to change jobs.”

“…Are you crazy?!! Seriously??!”

“You idiot!! Did you quit a mid-sized company?”

“Shut up and listen.”

The funny thing was that, unlike the excited Lee Kyungsung and Na Hyunggu, Kim Daeyoung himself was calm.

“I had already made up my mind, so my family knows too. Originally, I was going to go abroad for about half a year to travel after leaving the company this time, you know?”

“You crazy bastard, living in your own fairy tale.”

“Anyway, that’s what I was going to do- but in the meantime, Kang Woo-jin suddenly became an actor, right? And he even won an award today. It’s still absurd, though.”

Kim Daeyoung firmly stated to his friends.

“Should I try being Kang Woo-jin’s manager? Or a bodyguard? Whatever it is.”

Lee Kyungsung and Na Hyunggu, who had been blinking their eyes, gave a simple answer.

“You idiot.”

“You crazy bastard.”

Simple insults. But Kim Daeyoung let out a long sigh as if he wasn’t affected at all.

“Well, it’s just a thought for now- but you guys know, right? That my dream was to be an actor. I gave up early and just do acting as a hobby, but…”

At that moment, Kim Daeyoung recalled Kang Woo-jin acting on the big screen.

“Honestly, when Kang Woo-jin appeared in the movie that day, I was shocked and confused, you know? But there was a strange thrill. It wasn’t me, but it was my friend who appeared so big on the screen.”

“…Was that so?”

“Kind of like vicarious satisfaction? It was amazing. Even though I didn’t know what was going on, I was mesmerized. I don’t know, I felt envious and thrilled at the same time?”

Then.

“And the day Kang Woo-jin told me he became an actor, I suddenly had this thought on my way home.”

Kim Daeyoung looked at his friends alternately and then gave his conclusion.

“Ah- it would be fun to watch my friend achieve my dream from the sidelines. Like that.”

The expressionless Lee Kyungsung and Na Hyunggu nodded and replied.

“You idiot.”

“You crazy bastard.”

It was an insult again this time.

The next day, the 8th, in the morning. At Oullim Film Company.

The time was around 9 AM. Kang Woo-jin could be found in the conference room of Oullim Film Company. It was the same place he had come to for the meeting with director Kwon Ki-taek before. He was alone in the large conference room. Choi Sung-gun was nowhere to be seen, probably in the restroom.

Whatever the case.

‘The articles keep coming out?’

Sitting alone in the middle of the U-shaped desk, Kang Woo-jin was looking at his phone with a calm face. To be precise, he was searching for the results that came up when he searched for his name.

A lot of articles and photos popped up.

Well, there were very few articles about Kang Woo-jin alone, but there were many mentions of him piggybacking on the ‘Mise-en-scène Film Festival’ and Hong Hye-yeon.

‘So cool.’

Wouldn’t anyone feel like it’s not real? If articles came up when you typed your name in the search bar.

At that moment.

-Squeak.

The glass door of the conference room opened, and a plump man entered. Who else could it be? It was the pot-bellied director Kwon Ki-taek.

“Ah- I’m sorry, I came as quickly as I could.”

His voice was still gentle, and Kang Woo-jin, who had put down his phone, got up from his seat and lowered his voice.

“No, we came early.”

“Where’s CEO Choi?”

“He went to the restroom for a moment.”

“Ah, then shall we start just the two of us?”

Director Kwon Ki-taek, who had smiled faintly, sat down across from Woo-jin.

“First of all, congratulations on the Grand Prize. I was watching from right in front, and I felt so good.”

“Thank you, director.”

Soon, director Kwon Ki-taek stared intently at the silent Kang Woo-jin on the opposite side. He had a mountain of questions he wanted to ask him. But director Kwon Ki-taek held back his words.

‘He’s not the type to answer honestly if I ask. It’s better to watch how he grows. I need to look at the long term.’

He pointed to the pile of papers in front of Kang Woo-jin with his index finger and changed the subject. The pile of papers was the script for ‘Island of the Missing.’

“How was it after reading it?”

“It was very interesting.”

“Haha, that makes me feel good? Especially since you said that, Woo-jin.”

Director Kwon Ki-taek, who had a good-natured smile, asked back.

“Okay. Then next. Which character in the play was the most interesting?”

Kang Woo-jin’s answer was low and quick. There was already a role that had caught his eye. Even if it was a lead role, it wouldn’t hurt to just say it.

“The character with a dual personality.”

“…It won’t be easy, though?”

“It’s a difficult role.”

“Even so, why did you choose that role?”

Why? I just chose it because it was fun? Kang Woo-jin recited it as it was.

“I think I like villains.”

“Haha.”

Director Kwon Ki-taek suddenly laughed.

“Honestly, I didn’t know you would feel the same way as me. Actually, I had you in mind for that role from the beginning.”

“…Me.”

“Do you want to do this project?”

“If possible, yes.”

At that moment.

-Squeak.

“Oh my, I’m sorry! I got an urgent call on the way here.”

Choi Sung-gun, with his ponytail, hurriedly entered the conference room. Director Kwon Ki-taek reached out his hand to him.

“CEO Choi, let’s sign the contract today.”

“…Yes?”

“The lead villain, our thoughts match, Woo-jin and mine.”

“L-lead role?”

Director Kwon Ki-taek gave a deep smile to Choi Sung-gun, who had taken his hand absentmindedly.

“It means Woo-jin is the first actor confirmed for my project.”

It was the moment Kang Woo-jin joined the ranks of the master director Kwon Ki-taek.

Meanwhile, at the same time.

At the SBC broadcasting station building in Mokdong. A very large event was currently taking place here. It was the production presentation for the highly anticipated ‘Profiler Hanryang.’ That’s why about 200 reporters had gathered.

And.

“No, there weren’t any particular difficulties during filming. It was actually fun.”

The ‘Profiler Hanryang’ team, including Ryu Jung-min, who had just answered a reporter’s question, were sitting in a row at the front of the reporters’ desks. Led by the bearded Song Man-woo PD, there was writer Park Eun-mi, Ryu Jung-min, Hong Hye-yeon, and so on.

All the main figures were gathered.

Because it was a highly anticipated project, the atmosphere of the production presentation was constantly heated, and the flashes aimed at the actors were constantly going off. At that moment, a reporter asked a question to writer Park Eun-mi.

“Writer Park Eun-mi! In a previous interview, you said that there would be an eye-catching scene-stealer in this ‘Profiler Hanryang’! Could you give us a little hint as to who that actor is?”

Park Eun-mi, who had smiled faintly, put her mouth to the microphone.

“I really want to tell you. But I’ll hold back for the viewers.”

Soon, with a smile, she scanned the actors from Song Man-woo PD to Ryu Jung-min and Hong Hye-yeon. Everyone seemed to be thinking of Kang Woo-jin. Then, Park Eun-mi said to the 200 or so reporters.

“But I can definitely tell you one thing. That actor will be remembered as an all-time scene-stealer.”

She added an explanation and emphasized.

“Because he delivers acting that no other actor can match.”

Soon.

“The picky Park Eun-mi is praising him that much? I’ve never seen that before.”

“He must be quite amazing?”

“Hey, isn’t she just bluffing?”

“That Park Eun-mi? Why would she?”

“She must have mixed in some lies.”

The murmuring of hundreds of reporters grew louder.

“Well, whatever. We just have to watch and see.”

“Yeah, if it’s a lie when the lid is opened, they’ll get the blame.”