I was Mistaken as a Monstrous Genius Actor [EN]: Chapter 54

Kyotaro’s team appeared out of nowhere, and the dozens of employees at BW Entertainment stopped what they were doing to stare at him.

“…Director Kyotaro? Is that really Director Tanoguchi Kyotaro?”

Meanwhile, employees who didn’t know who he was were asking those who did.

“Who is he? Is he famous? A director? I’ve never seen him before. And he was speaking Japanese.”

“…Tanoguchi Kyotaro is a big name in Japan. A very successful, influential director.”

While the employees were whispering amongst themselves, Choi Sung-gun, with his ponytail, found himself shaking the hand Kyotaro offered. But he was still full of questions.

‘Why is this guy… here?’

It was such an absurd visit. At the same time, Kang Woo-jin, who had just been in the CEO’s office and came out to see what was going on, also noticed the strange atmosphere. Of course, only internally.

‘Huh? That Japanese director. I think he’s the one who gave me an award at the film festival.’

Kang Woo-jin briefly made eye contact with the smiling Kyotaro and quickly put on his usual cool act. A cold expression immediately appeared on his face. Even Woo-jin had heard that Kyotaro was famous in Japan.

So? Why is he here?

Woo-jin and Kyotaro had only spoken briefly at the closing ceremony of the film festival. Maybe for about five minutes? Even that was a blur, so he didn’t remember it well. To Woo-jin, Kyotaro just felt like the guy next door.

-Swoosh.

Kyotaro let go of Choi Sung-gun’s hand and murmured in Japanese. His smile remained.

“I thought coming in person would show my sincerity. If this is inconvenient, we can reschedule the meeting.”

He spoke fluently in Japanese. Of course, there was an interpreter. But for some reason, Kyotaro was looking at the calm Kang Woo-jin.

It was contagious.

Choi Sung-gun also looked at Woo-jin with an exclamation mark in his eyes, and the employees turned their heads to Kang Woo-jin with the same question: Why him? Soon, dozens of eyes were focused on Woo-jin. Then, as Kang Woo-jin casually looked around, he realized something.

‘Ah, they want me to interpret? Hah, that’s a piece of cake.’

He finally had a chance to show off the Japanese he had learned. Kang Woo-jin approached Kyotaro and spoke in a low tone in Japanese.

“Hello, Director. I didn’t expect to see you again after the film festival.”

“Really? I was hoping to see you again.”

The conversation flowed smoothly. Choi Sung-gun knew about Woo-jin’s Japanese, but the dozens of employees at BW Entertainment were amazed by his skills.

Regardless, Kyotaro continued.

“Is there somewhere we can talk privately?”

“Just a moment.”

Kang Woo-jin turned to Choi Sung-gun on his left.

“He needs a place to talk.”

“…Huh? Talk? Ah, okay, okay!”

Choi Sung-gun, who had been a bit dazed, snapped back to attention.

“Come this way!”

Choi Sung-gun led them to the CEO’s office, and Kang Woo-jin politely gestured for Kyotaro to enter. Soon, Kyotaro and the interpreter sat on one side of the office, while Choi Sung-gun and Kang Woo-jin sat on the other. Kyotaro’s other team members waited outside.

At that moment.

“Woo-jin.”

Choi Sung-gun whispered to Kang Woo-jin.

“Why did Director Kyotaro come here all of a sudden?”

“I have no idea.”

“Did he come because of Hye-yeon? Anyway, you should stay here. You’re better than that interpreter.”

Well, Woo-jin didn’t mind. He had fun learning Japanese in just one day.

Around that time.

“This is a first for me, but it’s nice.”

Kyotaro, with his gray hair, smiled and spoke in Japanese.

“It’s great that the actor can speak Japanese, so there’s no communication barrier. It’s always been inconvenient when I come to Korea. Would you mind interpreting for me, Kang Woo-jin?”

Woo-jin nodded slightly in response.

“Yes, I can.”

“I was disappointed that we only had a short conversation at the ‘Mise-en-scène Film Festival.’ And your current position is a waste. With your incredible talent, you’re only winning awards for short films. In my opinion, you have the talent to win awards at major film festivals.”

“…Thank you.”

“Even if the acting scene in Korea is highly competitive… it’s a shame that you’re stuck in short films.”

What is this guy talking about? Woo-jin remained silent with a blank expression.

“……”

“How long have you lived in Japan?”

“I have circumstances that make it difficult to say.”

“Oh, I see. Sorry.”

At that moment, Choi Sung-gun, who had been listening to the conversation with blinking eyes, interjected.

“Excuse me, Director, but did you come because of actress Hong Hye-yeon?”

Woo-jin immediately translated, and Kyotaro slowly shook his head.

“Hong Hye-yeon is a well-known actress in Japan. She’s also an excellent actress. Her performance in ‘The Detective Agency’ was impressive. But I came here today because of actor Kang Woo-jin.”

Me? He came because of me? Why? It seemed like things were about to get out of hand. And sure enough.

“Woo-jin, what do you think about advancing into the Japanese market?”

Kyotaro’s expression suddenly turned serious. Woo-jin maintained his blank expression, but inside, he was shocked.

‘What the heck? It’s only been two months, and he’s talking about advancing into Japan?’

He was genuinely speechless, not just acting. But his profound expression seemed to be interpreted as contemplation by Kyotaro.

“It’s natural to be hesitant. Do you have any confirmed projects?”

He was still keeping quiet about the Han-ryang role, and the project with Director Kwon Ki-taek wasn’t confirmed either. So, there was only one answer Woo-jin could give.

“Nothing is confirmed yet.”

“I see…”

Upon hearing the answer, Kyotaro sighed inwardly.

‘I knew it. This is so unfortunate.’

Kyotaro had been investigating Kang Woo-jin in the Korean entertainment industry for several days. But there was nothing to be found. Soon, Kyotaro, who had closed his eyes for a moment, made eye contact with Kang Woo-jin.

“I’m currently preparing for my next project. The project is confirmed. I’m adapting a famous Japanese novel. About 80% of the work is done.”

Kyotaro spoke with certainty.

“I want to work on that project with you, Woo-jin.”

After that.

Kyotaro, having finished his meeting with Kang Woo-jin, left for Japan the next day, on the 14th. What was supposed to be a one-day trip turned into a week-long stay. In any case, he decided to keep in touch with Choi Sung-gun via email. The urgent matter was with Kang Woo-jin.

Well, Woo-jin was positive about it. There was a hint of misunderstanding in his conversation with Kyotaro, but…

‘It’s not like I’m going to Japan right away. It’s good to have many possibilities.’

There was no need to refuse from the start. He decided to receive the script once it was completed, and for now, it was best to keep Kyotaro’s offer a secret. If he spread the news everywhere and then the rating Woo-jin saw in the subspace turned out to be trash…

‘It would be a bit awkward.’

After Kyotaro left, on the 15th.

Today was a historic day. It was the premiere of ‘Profiler Han-ryang.’ So, the drama team involved in the war was spreading the last promotional tidbits. Several top actors also encouraged viewers to tune in on their social media.

Time flew by in a chaotic rush.

It was now 9 PM on the 15th. At this time, Kang Woo-jin, in a van, arrived at a large barbecue restaurant near Yangjae Station. It was a two-story standalone barbecue restaurant, and today, the entire place was rented out by a drama team. It was the ‘Profiler Han-ryang’ team. For their whole team dinner.

Soon.

-Slide!

Kang Woo-jin, wearing a casual hoodie, got out of the black van that had stopped in the outside parking lot. And then…

“……”

He looked up at the barbecue restaurant without a word. Choi Sung-gun, Jang Su-hwan, and Han Ye-jeong stood next to him. They all looked at the barbecue restaurant with Woo-jin. Choi Sung-gun was the first to speak.

“It’s finally here. I bet the media is waiting for the premiere, since we’ve been stirring up so much attention.”

Choi Sung-gun, who had been laughing, asked the solemn Woo-jin.

“How do you feel? The premiere is just around the corner.”

Kang Woo-jin mixed honesty with his persona to answer.

“I’m hungry and excited.”

“Hahaha, that’s a unique answer. Who would think that’s the attitude of a rookie?”

Choi Sung-gun laughed heartily and took the first step. Han Ye-jeong and Jang Su-hwan followed behind, and Kang Woo-jin was last. Woo-jin had a stiff face, but inside, he was taking deep breaths like crazy.

‘The premiere, oh man, it’s the day of the showdown.’

He had been fine until the trailer for ‘Profiler Han-ryang’ was released. His face wasn’t really shown. But today was the day everything would be revealed. That’s why Woo-jin felt so uneasy.

‘This feels so different from the first day of filming, ugh!’

The nervousness of the premiere and the first day of filming were clearly different. Well, it was understandable. Today would be a turning point in Kang Woo-jin’s life.

Around that time.

-Swoosh.

Kang Woo-jin’s team entered the barbecue restaurant. Dozens of Han-ryang staff members were already busy setting up the tables, and as soon as they saw Kang Woo-jin, they greeted him warmly.

“Oh! Woo-jin is here!”

“Hello!!”

“Haha, Woo-jin! Writer Park really stirred up a lot of attention, so it must be a bit of a burden, right??”

The staff quickly gathered around. Kang Woo-jin maintained his cynical demeanor while accepting their greetings one by one. Soon, the first staff member of the lighting team pointed to the second floor with his index finger.

“Woo-jin! The PD [Production Director] and the writer are on the second floor. The actors will be eating there too!”

In other words, he was telling him to go up to the second floor. Choi Sung-gun patted Woo-jin’s shoulder.

“You go up first, I’ll take care of things here and follow you.”

Kang Woo-jin nodded and went up the iron stairs leading to the second floor. The atmosphere on the second floor was not much different from the first floor. Several staff members were setting up drinks, meat, and a large TV in front of the round tables.

They also smiled as if they were happy to see Kang Woo-jin.

“Oh my, our Mr. Park is here.”

“How have you been, Woo-jin?”

Two familiar figures stood up from the two connected round tables. It was the bearded Song Man-woo PD and writer Park Eun-mi.

“Woo-jin! Over here!”

“You came early? Ah, but why does it feel like it’s been years since I saw you?”

Kang Woo-jin, who was greeting the key staff members, felt a bit overwhelmed and joined them.

“Hello, PD. Writer.”

Then, Park Eun-mi, who had her long permed hair tied up today, sat next to him and smiled.

“Congratulations on the award. I said it at the closing ceremony too, but congratulations are never enough.”

“Thank you, but where are the other actors?”

“Huh? Ah, some of them might be on the first floor? Didn’t you see them? The rest are on their way.”

At that moment.

-Swoosh.

Suddenly, the bearded Song Man-woo PD whispered in Kang Woo-jin’s ear.

“I thought you were from somewhere in America because you spoke English so well. And you’re also fluent in Japanese? Were you in Japan too?”

“…I’m sorry. It’s a bit difficult to say.”

Park Eun-mi, who had just downed a shot of soju [Korean distilled beverage] by herself, gently grabbed Kang Woo-jin’s right hand. She even closed her eyes. Woo-jin was genuinely disgusted. What is this writer doing? Kang Woo-jin spoke in a low voice.

“What… are you doing?”

“Praying.”

“Praying?”

The answer came from Song Man-woo PD.

“She’s praying to the Kang totem. Asking for the ratings to be a huge success.”

Park Eun-mi, still with her eyes closed, was serious.

“I’m already a believer.”

Kang Woo-jin, who had been calmly watching her, decided to just let it go. After a few dozen minutes, the actors started to arrive. Starting with Ryu Jung-min, who was wearing a hat.

“Hello, senior.”

“Yeah. You came early, Woo-jin. By the way, I heard you won an award right from the start?”

Lead and supporting actors, such as the hearty Jang Tae-san, flocked in. Soon, the second floor began to be packed with people. The last to arrive was Hong Hye-yeon, who had just finished her photoshoot. As if it was natural, she pushed Song Man-woo PD over and sat on Kang Woo-jin’s right side.

She whispered to Woo-jin.

“I heard Director Kyotaro came to the company. They said the company was turned upside down?”

Today, she smelled good as always. Kang Woo-jin suppressed his nervousness and answered.

“Yes, it was brief.”

“Are you going to Japan?”

“I don’t know.”

Hong Hye-yeon’s expression became strange upon hearing the answer. At that moment.

“Oh! The commercial is on!”

A chubby lighting director shouted while looking at the large TV in front. It meant that the first episode of ‘Profiler Han-ryang’ was about to start.

“Oh my! I’m nervous!”

“Haha, everyone, let’s have a ratings bet for the first time in a while??”

“Sounds good! I’ll bet 50,000 won on 10%!”

“I’ll go for 10.7%!”

A bet suddenly broke out.

“I’m feeling generous! 50,000 won on 15%!”

“Oh! Then me too! 15.5%!”

The actors and staff members all threw out numbers. Strangely, no one went below 10%. Then, all the actors looked at Kang Woo-jin. It was a look that said, ‘You should join too.’ Woo-jin, following the generally excited atmosphere…

‘I don’t know, man. I’ll just go for it.’

He said the highest number among the numbers that had been called out.

“I’ll bet 50,000 won on 20%.”

Several staff members laughed heartily.

“Hahaha! That’s bold! When was the last time we had a rating close to 20%? Was it about three years ago? No, five years?”

A male staff member closest to the large TV shouted.

“Oh! It’s starting!!”

Indeed, the drama title appeared on the TV after the commercial ended.

-‘Profiler Han-ryang’

The first episode of ‘Profiler Han-ryang’ had begun.

About 40 minutes later. At a shabby Korean soup restaurant.

Around 10:30 PM. A group of six men and women entered a soup restaurant that didn’t have many customers.

Among them.

“Boss! Six bowls of soup here!”

A burly man shouted as their representative. It was Woo-jin’s best friend, Kim Dae-young. It seemed like this soup restaurant was a regular spot for him. The people with him were his company colleagues. Today was a small farewell party to celebrate Kim Dae-young’s job change.

Anyway.

“It’s already past 10:30!”

Kim Dae-young grabbed the remote control before even sitting down. His movements were very familiar. Then, he changed the channel on the small TV hanging on the wall. Soon, his colleagues in the back made comments.

“Wow, are you really going to watch a drama?”

“Why don’t you just watch a rerun? It’s been over 40 minutes since it started, right?”

But Kim Dae-young shook his head.

“Uh-uh! That’s not the attitude of a true fan.”

“You’re really something. I admit you’re a true fan of Hong Hye-yeon.”

“Haha, everyone should watch ‘Profiler Han-ryang’! It’s definitely going to be fun.”

“Isn’t that the one by writer Park Eun-mi? Then it’ll be at least decent.”

By now, ‘Profiler Han-ryang’ was playing on the TV. Hong Hye-yeon, playing a detective, appeared from the beginning, and Kim Dae-young, who was casually sitting down, gave a thumbs up.

“As expected! Wow, she’s perfect for the detective role?”

“Well, Hong Hye-yeon is pretty. Isn’t she almost number one in terms of beauty among the top actresses?”

It was at this moment that the six bowls of soup came out, and Kim Dae-young and his colleagues soothed their stomachs with the hot soup. Of course, while watching ‘Profiler Han-ryang.’

Everyone seemed to be enjoying it, more focused on the TV than on talking.

“It’s fun, isn’t it? The pacing is good? I’ll have to go home and watch the beginning again.”

“Wow, Ryu Jung-min looks so handsome even with that baby perm? And he’s a good actor too.”

“Oh, it’s kind of tense! Oh? The scene changed. Huh? I’ve never seen that actor before? Is he a rookie?”

“Wow, look at his eyes. It’s a bit creepy.”

“He’s… a good actor, isn’t he? He’s definitely the killer!”

“Eek! The way he just smiled was like a psycho.”

At that moment.

-Thud!

While his colleagues were engrossed in the drama, Kim Dae-young dropped the spoon he was holding on the table. His colleagues were surprised by the sound.

“What? What’s wrong?”

“Dae-young? Your eyes are wide open?”

Indeed, Kim Dae-young was staring intently at the TV with his mouth slightly open. Or rather, he was looking at the actor who was smiling creepily on the TV.

“…That crazy bastard.”

It was ‘Mr. Park’s’ first appearance scene.

End