I was Mistaken as a Monstrous Genius Actor [EN]: Chapter 53

Kang Woo-jin’s day off on the 9th vanished in the blink of an eye. Usually, days off disappear so quickly you barely register what you did, but the internet Woo-jin was browsing was particularly chaotic, which only made the time fly faster.

“Whoa—what’s with all this?”

Recently, Kang Woo-jin had been spending more time glued to his phone. It wasn’t that his name was directly mentioned, but…

“Oh! This is from the closing ceremony, isn’t it? What’s with my face? Did I look like I was at a funeral?”

Most of the buzz online was directly related to Kang Woo-jin. The film industry was still buzzing with follow-up articles from the ‘Mise-en-scène Film Festival,’ which had been quite the spectacle a few days prior.

『Finally, the ‘Grand Prize’ is awarded, this year’s Mise-en-scène Short Film Festival concludes successfully [Comprehensive]』

The festival had a long-standing tradition, and this year’s event was a success in terms of both buzz and interest, which was why the festival committee continued to promote it.

『This year’s Mise-en-scène Short Film Festival Grand Prize Winner! Grand Prize awarded after 4 years』

『[Star Talk] Crushing the Short Film Festival! Surprise ‘Hong Hye-yeon’ wins Best Actress Award and smiles with ease / Photo』

They needed to make a good impression on the public now so they would return next year. Additionally, it had been several years since a work won the Grand Prize, and ‘The Fixer,’ the winner, swept the newly established acting awards.

『Mise-en-scène Short Film Festival, this year especially full of film industry stars, ‘The Fixer’ with 3 awards catches the eye』

『[Photo] ‘The Fixer’ director Shin Dong-chun, “Very honored by the 3 awards, will continue to contribute to the film industry.”』

The committee and film industry media continued to highlight ‘The Fixer.’ Every industry needs a superstar, especially the non-mainstream short film scene. A prime example is sports. Even if a sport is unpopular, people will watch if a star player emerges.

In other words, ‘The Fixer’ was a superstar with several talking points attached.

Meanwhile, Park Jung-hyuk, who had tried to use the ‘Mise-en-scène Film Festival’ for his own gain, was quietly forgotten. He was only briefly mentioned at the beginning of the awards ceremony.

『Where is Park Jung-hyuk who declared ‘from the bottom’? Park Jung-hyuk’s side remains silent about his absence from the awards ceremony』

What’s interesting is…

『Who is the lead actor of the ‘Mise-en-scène Film Festival’ Acting Award? Judges say, “He is the future of Chungmuro [Korean Hollywood]” / Photo』

That even Kang Woo-jin, who was unknown and overshadowed by Hong Hye-yeon, was gradually gaining attention, despite winning the Grand Prize.

Why? Why is this actor, who beat Hong Hye-yeon to win the Grand Prize, so quiet? Not all film industry media covered it, but a few reporters started to focus on Kang Woo-jin.

『[Movie Talk] Unknown actor Kang Woo-jin, who won the Acting Award by unanimous decision of the judges, seen speaking Japanese with Japanese master director Kyoshiro / Photo』

The entertainment section was, of course, buzzing with the drama war.

[@__19yy__]

[(Article Link) Ah… what should I watch ㅜㅜㅜ I want to watch all three! But it seems like none of them are being broadcast simultaneously on Netflix…ㅜㅠㅜ]

SBC, MBS, and TVM, with ‘Profiler Hanryang,’ were in a life-or-death situation for promotion, as their first broadcasts were just around the corner. The media also responded to this.

『[Drama IS] First broadcast just around the corner, SBC, MBS, TVM in a crazy promotion war!』

The public also enthusiastically joined in. Advertisements were placed everywhere, from portal sites to any place where the public could see and hear them.

『Public opinion already moving, netizens advertising their desired dramas on various communities / Photo』

Among these, the news of the ‘Profiler Hanryang’ production presentation yesterday, the 8th, was the most stimulating. Of course, the production presentation was held not only by SBC but also by MBS and TVM, but the winner was ‘Profiler Hanryang.’

『[Star Talk] Ryu Jung-min, attending the production presentation, “Drama war? I acted hard and I am confident”』

『With writer Park Eun-mi at the helm, a line of stars, the ‘Profiler Hanryang’ team all ‘oozing confidence’』

There were the most enticing stories, and the reporters, as if drawn by the mouth-watering scent, increased the number of ‘Profiler Hanryang’ articles. Thus, the day ended with the internet in a frenzy.

However, the next day was not quiet either. It was even noisier than yesterday.

『Star Writer Park Eun-mi, “The scene-stealing actor I chose will overwhelm everyone”』

Especially today, there was a lot of talk about the scene-stealing actor mentioned at the end of the ‘Profiler Hanryang’ production presentation, and about Hong Hye-yeon’s clash with a reporter.

『‘Will show acting of the century,’ who is the scene-stealing actor praised by Song Man-woo PD [Production Director] and Park Eun-mi?』

『[Photo] Top actress Hong Hye-yeon reacts sharply to a reporter’s question, “Go watch ‘The Fixer’” / Photo』

Indeed, looking at the overall picture, the articles being spread were more exaggerated than truthful. But so what? A mix of sweet and salty is the best. That was the mindset with which the articles were being churned out. Of course, it was a desperate attempt by the reporters to increase their clicks, but it wasn’t a bad situation for the ‘Profiler Hanryang’ team.

No, it was exactly the picture they intended.

Thus, as the media fueled the fire for about two days until the 10th, public opinion began to add fuel to the fire everywhere starting on Monday, the 11th.

-Hong Hye-yeon’s scene of shutting down a reporter at the production presentation.jpg

Numerous videos editing the production presentation were uploaded to YouTube, and people were excitedly discussing it on social media and various online communities. The initial focus seemed to be on ‘Profiler Hanryang,’ and of course, the drama teams from SBC and TVM were aware of this.

“PD-nim! It seems like Hanryang’s production presentation dropped a lot of bait, the community reaction is almost all about Hanryang!”

“I know, you idiot! I’m monitoring it too!”

“The clip of Hong Hye-yeon fighting with a reporter is a hit, but what about the scene-stealing actor bait that Song PD and Park Writer mentioned? Is that real??”

“It’s a lie, a lie! I didn’t think Park Writer was like that, using this kind of clickbait?”

“B-but, what if a real top-tier actor shows up??”

“Hey, don’t you know that Hanryang’s production cost is crazy high? It’s definitely a lie! Hey! Let’s drop something too! It’s okay if we get some flak later!”

Therefore, other drama teams quickly joined the clickbait war.

Then, on the 12th.

With exactly four days left until the first broadcast on the 15th, ‘Profiler Hanryang’ and other drama teams seemed to think it was the right time.

『‘Drama War,’ each drama releases official trailers as if planned! What is the quality?』

They released their main trailers almost simultaneously. Teasers had already been released several times, but the trailers uploaded this time were over a minute long, enough to raise public expectations.

In a way, it was a chaotic scene.

Meanwhile, inside Kang Woo-jin’s van.

At the time when the main trailer for ‘Profiler Hanryang’ was released, Kang Woo-jin was heading to a studio. It was for an interview shoot that would be included in the latter part of the ‘Profiler Hanryang’ trailer.

“······”

Today, he had his usual cynical expression. However, the manager team, including the ponytail-wearing Choi Sung-gun, was not calm.

“Wow—the main trailer is really well-made? Song PD must have poured his heart and soul into it?”

“I know, right? It’s a bit of a shame that Woo-jin oppa isn’t in it.”

“Haha! Isn’t it more impactful when you don’t expect anything at all and then get hit with a surprise?!”

Everyone was busy praising the main trailer. Due to his concept, he couldn’t join in the excitement, but Kang Woo-jin was also watching the trailer.

‘Wow—this scene looks like this in the video. It’s so cool.’

Comparing the shots he had filmed with the edited video, he couldn’t help but feel amazed. Well, Woo-jin had some experience with video editing while working at a design company, but…

‘This is on a different level.’

He realized that what he had done was just scratching the surface. At this moment.

‘Ah, right.’

Kang Woo-jin, who was watching the trailer, suddenly seemed to remember something, turned off the video, and accessed his mobile banking app. Although his expression was blank, there was a slight hint of anticipation mixed in.

-Tap, tap.

After a few taps, Kang Woo-jin’s poker face slightly wavered at the sight of his bank balance.

‘······Crazy. It’s in.’

Stylist Han Ye-jung, who had a good eye, asked Kang Woo-jin.

“Oppa, what’s wrong? Are you not feeling well?”

Woo-jin shook his head solemnly at her question, her hair now a brown bob.

“No, I’m fine.”

Kang Woo-jin, who answered appropriately, turned his gaze back to his phone screen. He was already practically doing a happy dance inside.

The reason was simple.

‘60 million, 60 million won was deposited in one go!’

Tens of millions of won had been deposited into his meager bank account. It was the agency contract fee and the first payment for ‘Profiler Hanryang.’ In fact, the agency contract fee had been deposited earlier, and the first drama payment was made today. It was just that Kang Woo-jin had checked it late.

Because he had been so busy.

Anyway, two months after starting his acting career, he had received his first paycheck of over 60 million won. Moreover.

‘They said that the payments for Hanryang would continue after the first one, right?’

There were still quite a few payments left to be made. Of course, he would be receiving even larger payments in the future. Kang Woo-jin himself hadn’t fully grasped it yet. Still, 60 million won was a lot of money. Kang Woo-jin, who was a commoner at heart, was honestly seeing such an amount for the first time.

‘Wow—damn. What should I do with this?’

Therefore, Woo-jin’s blank expression had a strange twitch. He tried to suppress it, but his joy was peeking out. Han Ye-jung, who was glancing at him, whispered to Choi Sung-gun in the passenger seat.

“CEO, Woo-jin oppa is acting a bit strange right now.”

Choi Sung-gun, who had briefly checked on Kang Woo-jin, had seen Woo-jin in this state before.

“Leave him be, he’s practicing his role again.”

“Ah-”

“If he acts like that sometimes, just don’t bother him.”

“Okay.”

Kang Woo-jin, who didn’t notice this,

‘What should I do with this? Damn, I’ve never handled this kind of money before, so I don’t know. I should give some to my parents first.’

He was lost in thought about what to do with the large sum of money he had seen for the first time.

‘Ah! Should I save up a bit more and move??’

The next day, Wednesday the 13th. Kang Woo-jin’s studio apartment.

It was morning. Around 9 o’clock. Kang Woo-jin, wearing a light sweatshirt suitable for the warmer weather, stood in front of the shoe rack. But he didn’t put on his shoes right away.

“Hmm—it’s magnificent.”

He was admiring the trophy placed on the shoe rack shelf. What else could it be? It was the Grand Prize trophy from the ‘Mise-en-scène Film Festival.’

“Hyung, I’m heading out.”

It was as if Woo-jin was cherishing the first Grand Prize he had ever received. It was understandable, as it was the first award he had received just two months after becoming an actor.

Soon.

-Click.

Kang Woo-jin, who had finished greeting the trophy, left his studio apartment. As usual, a black van was waiting in front of his house. However.

“Hyung-nim! Good morning!”

“Oppa, hello.”

Only Jang Su-hwan and Han Ye-jung had come to pick up Woo-jin. Choi Sung-gun was nowhere to be seen.

“Yes, hello.”

“Ah, hyung-nim! Let’s start speaking casually, shall we?!”

“That’s right, oppa. We feel uncomfortable.”

“Okay, I got it.”

The reason was simple.

“Hyung-nim, we’re going straight to the company! Ah! Do you know that the company is in chaos right now?!”

Kang Woo-jin’s agency, BW Entertainment, was currently a battlefield. It was so busy that the CEO, Choi Sung-gun, couldn’t leave his post. It was peak season. In fact, by the time Woo-jin got into the van, all the employees of BW Entertainment were working non-stop.

“Yes, this is BW Entertainment! Ah, an interview with Hong Hye-yeon? I’ll check!”

“Yes? No, reporter-nim. Why are you saying that? Is it a problem that we asked you to take down the article because it was a rumor?”

“Ah—nothing has been decided about Kang Woo-jin yet. Yes, yes. Then, can you send it by quick service? A meeting? Then I’ll ask the CEO.”

“Can you send inquiries about Hong Hye-yeon’s advertisement through email?”

No, to be precise, it had been like this since right after the ‘Mise-en-scène Film Festival.’ It wasn’t quiet before, thanks to Hong Hye-yeon’s popularity, but recently, with the added buzz around Kang Woo-jin, the workload had increased. Of course, Hong Hye-yeon was overwhelmingly dominant, but there were also inquiries related to Kang Woo-jin.

Thanks to this, the half-dozen public relations team had to answer the phone like crazy.

“Quick service! Where should I put it??”

Quick services also arrived quite frequently at the chaotic BW Entertainment. Most of the contents were scripts or screenplays. They sometimes used quick service when it was difficult to have meetings, but the amount piled up on the operations team’s desk seemed to be four or five times more than usual.

Around this time, the head, Choi Sung-gun, was…

“Okay, then Hye-yeon will go as planned, and Woo-jin will be covered until after Hanryang.”

He was in a brief meeting with executive staff.

“And now that Woo-jin has joined, I think we need to increase the number of employees. What’s the most urgent department?”

“I think the public relations team is the priority.”

“Hmm.”

“The management team is also struggling a bit.”

“Let’s figure out the numbers and increase them as soon as possible.”

Thirty minutes later, Kang Woo-jin, a newcomer to BW Entertainment, entered the company. Since he was still awkward with the employees, there were quite a few people who looked at Woo-jin with curiosity.

Anyway, Woo-jin sat face-to-face with Choi Sung-gun in the CEO’s office. Choi Sung-gun started the conversation first.

“Woo-jin, you can see the company situation. It’s a mess right now. Especially, the number of scripts and screenplays coming in for you has increased dramatically, and there are quite a few interview schedules coming in. What do you want to do?”

Interviews? Ah, not yet. Kang Woo-jin, who was silently looking at Choi Sung-gun, was hesitant. Well, he would have to handle such schedules someday.

‘I’m not quite ready yet.’

Honestly, it was still a bit uncomfortable. Because of this, Woo-jin answered in a low voice.

“It feels a bit premature.”

“Right? Honestly, I also think it’s right for you to maintain a mysterious image for now. No matter how many times you go on YouTube or media interviews, the reaction won’t be that big yet. It’s a waste to just use up your image.”

“I think so too.”

“The timing I’m thinking of is to maintain the mysterious image even after Hanryang airs, you know?”

Choi Sung-gun, who pulled his body closer to Kang Woo-jin, put his heart into the briefing.

“First, the media and public are curious about you. But there’s almost no information, and then you’re connected to the ‘Mise-en-scène Film Festival’ Grand Prize and Hanryang. There will be more question marks, right? Then, the Kwon Ki-taek director thing will hit. Well, that’s roughly it.”

I see, hmm, I don’t know. Kang Woo-jin could hear him, but he didn’t understand most of what he was saying. However, Kang Woo-jin could sense that Choi Sung-gun was planning a proper strategy.

“Yes, it seems good.”

“Since Hanryang’s first broadcast is also two days away, let’s keep a low profile as much as possible. Be careful what you say to your close friends too.”

“Yes, CEO.”

Choi Sung-gun, who was smiling contentedly, suddenly got up and moved to his desk, picking up dozens of books and placing them in front of Kang Woo-jin. Woo-jin flinched inwardly at the rather large pile, but he looked at Choi Sung-gun calmly.

Choi Sung-gun, who chuckled, shrugged his shoulders.

“The scripts and screenplays that came in for you. And the melodramas and rom-coms that I looked into separately are also included.”

In other words, the dozen or so books piled up in front of Woo-jin were scripts and screenplays. There were so many? Woo-jin, who was shocked inside, tried to maintain a blank expression.

‘Whoa—this is crazy. Did all of these come in for me? There are so many. When am I going to read all of this??’

At this moment, Choi Sung-gun misinterpreted Woo-jin’s expression.

“Are you disappointed? Haha, don’t be disappointed. The company has already filtered out the meaningless ones in the first round. But well, it’s a bit less than I expected. Maybe it’s because there’s not enough information about you.”

Woo-jin, who slowly nodded, turned his gaze back to the piled-up scripts and screenplays. Of course, all of them had a black square attached to the side. Woo-jin picked up the one on top and unfolded it, and Choi Sung-gun chuckled and added an explanation.

“You have that divine sense, so take a quick look and choose. It doesn’t have to be a melodrama or rom-com. Or, if you’re okay with it, you can do one more rom-com. There’s some time. The Kwon Ki-taek director’s project is in the early pre-production stage, so there’s time to do a few short ones? Well, it’s your choice.”

“Isn’t it not the time to rest?”

“That’s right, it’s good to go with a packed schedule without any gaps right now.”

Kang Woo-jin, who was listening to the explanation calmly, suddenly paused. Of course, he had secretly raised his index finger, and Choi Sung-gun didn’t notice. In other words, Kang Woo-jin was…

‘Oh—this one.’

He had quickly gone to the subspace.

‘It got a B+ from the start?’

Woo-jin pointed to the screenplay in his hand and asked Choi Sung-gun.

“CEO, what about this one?”

“Huh? Ah—that one seems to be a cameo.”

“A cameo?”

“Yeah, yeah. I couldn’t talk to the director for long, but I heard they’re already filming, and they saw you at the ‘Mise-en-scène Film Festival.’ They also heard about you speaking Japanese. They said they really want to meet and talk to you.”

At this moment.

-Knock knock, click!

The CEO’s office door swung open. It was the head of the management team. His eyes were wide open, making a strange face.

“C-CEO. You need to come out.”

Choi Sung-gun, with his brow furrowed, sighed and got up.

“Why? What is it?”

“Well… someone came to see you.”

“Who is it?”

Soon, Choi Sung-gun left the CEO’s office. At the same time, he found a group of four or five people standing at the entrance of the office. Seeing the gray-haired man at the front, Choi Sung-gun also slightly opened his mouth. He wondered if it was a hallucination.

“Uh… what?”

The gray-haired man smiled and approached him, offering a handshake. The words he spoke were in Japanese.

“I’m sorry, did I come too suddenly?”

Japanese master director Kyotaro had suddenly appeared.

“I came to meet actor Kang Woo-jin.”