I was Mistaken as a Monstrous Genius Actor [EN]: Chapter 60

Kang Woo-jin chose a one-act script by an assistant writer, not the script by Lee Wol-sun, one of the few star writers in the country. Yet, Woo-jin’s expression after filming the one-act script was…

“……”

It was just his usual cold expression. Seeing Woo-jin like that, Choi Sung-gun was momentarily stunned.

“Huh?”

He thought he had become quite accustomed to Kang Woo-jin after working with him, but was he still far off? Soon, Choi Sung-gun asked again.

“…So.”

He questioned Kang Woo-jin, who was calmly pointing his index finger. His voice trembled slightly.

“You’re saying you’ll do that one-act instead of Lee Wol-sun’s script?”

“Yes, that’s what I said.”

“Do you—do you even know who Lee Wol-sun is?”

Of course. Woo-jin knew of Lee Wol-sun’s existence. He had seen some articles comparing her to Park Eun-mi when he had searched for Park Eun-mi in the past.

“I know very well. She’s a great writer.”

“But you still chose that one-act.”

“That’s right.”

Choi Sung-gun was taken aback. But it wasn’t too extreme. There had been similar situations before, like with Director Woo Hyun-gu. However, it was hard to understand why he made such a choice.

“…The reason. I’m curious about the reason.”

The reason? Kang Woo-jin was silent for a moment. In fact, after briefly reading both scripts, Woo-jin had secretly entered the subspace [a mental space where he analyzes scripts] before making his choice. Since there were two scripts, he did it twice. This process was now a must for Kang Woo-jin.

The pitch-black subspace gave him the answer.

‘Honestly, there wasn’t a big difference in grade.’

That was right. There was no significant difference between the two scripts.

-[5/Script (Title: Freezing Romance), Grade C+]

-[6/Script (Title: Male Friend), Grade B]

‘Freezing Romance’ was Lee Wol-sun’s script, and ‘Male Friend’ was the assistant writer’s one-act script. The difference in grade between the two scripts was only one level at best.

‘Well, if you look closely, it’s a problem that the star writer’s script is even one level below the one-act.’

Either way, it was average. C to B was a normal result or slightly above average.

Looking at the works alone, Woo-jin could have chosen ‘Freezing Romance.’ No, it might have been better to go with Lee Wol-sun’s script. Even if the work was average, the ripple effect of being cast in a star writer’s work after Park Eun-mi’s would be huge.

On the other hand, the one-act might have a slightly better result, but its buzz and promotional power would be a bit weak.

If the results were similar, judging based on the background was basic. Considering the possibility of the work’s grade increasing, it was more advantageous for the currently rising actor Kang Woo-jin to choose Lee Wol-sun’s work. But why did Kang Woo-jin choose the one-act? Woo-jin, looking at Choi Sung-gun, shouted the answer.

Of course, in his mind.

‘The reason? It’s super simple. The one-act has a kiss scene from the start!’

He made the decision based on the content, not the grade of the work.

‘I like this one-act, ‘Male Friend,’ the writer is great. It starts with a refreshing kiss scene, right?’

The first cut of the one-act ‘Male Friend’ begins with the female lead’s narration. It first shows the current situation, and after a line like, ‘This is how it happened,’ it shows the past. The female lead’s first scene was a kiss scene.

Then who would be the partner?

‘It’s me, of course.’

On the other hand, Lee Wol-sun’s ‘Freezing Romance’ was suffocating from the start. Why? Because the male lead was a character with a severe case of mysophobia [fear of germs]. He was very afraid of being touched by others. That was mentioned from the first line of the script.

‘Well, I’m not going to be the male lead, but if the male lead has mysophobia, the sweet stuff will only come in the mid-to-late part, and the overall atmosphere of the play will be a bit stuffy, wouldn’t it?’

It was an excuse. Kang Woo-jin was purely captivated by the kiss scene. Other actors might see him as a crazy idiot. But Woo-jin was a tough, monstrous actor to others, but inside, he was still a healthy man in his twenties. The smell of an ordinary citizen was still stronger in him than an actor.

A man. How could a man resist a kiss scene?

Of course, the kiss scene was acting. It was acting, but if he was going to film a rom-com or melodrama, wouldn’t it be nice to have something sweet?

‘How much hell have I experienced so far?’

It was true. Most of what Kang Woo-jin had experienced since he started acting was ugly and cruel. Being sliced and killed, murder, witnessing death, shooting, running away, and so on. He had even had his neck cut off. How disgusting was that experience? Woo-jin had endured things that others would never even see in their lifetime. And he would continue to do so.

No matter how calm he was, there was a limit.

‘If I’ve had my neck cut off, shouldn’t I be allowed to want something warm and sweet?’

Woo-jin was in the mindset that it was okay to be called an idiot right now. Of course, since it was acting, he was planning to work hard on the project. At that moment, Choi Sung-gun, who had been silent for a while, asked Woo-jin again.

“Is it… difficult to tell me the reason?”

Kang Woo-jin hesitated for a moment. He couldn’t say, ‘It’s because of the kiss scene!’ If he did, his whole concept would be shattered. Therefore, he had to express it indirectly. Well, it would be okay if he left out the kiss scene.

“This one-act, the development is refreshing.”

“Refreshing?”

“Yes. I can feel it from the first line.”

Was that all? Choi Sung-gun couldn’t believe Woo-jin’s words.

‘Has that crazy sense of his been activated?’

He even made his own judgment. Then he opened his mouth again.

“…Is it possible that Lee Wol-sun’s script didn’t feel good? Do you think this one-act will be a hit?”

“No, not to that extent.”

“Your instinct has been activated again, right? It’s okay. I’ve decided to trust your unusual sense now.”

The misunderstanding solidified. Well, did it matter? Kang Woo-jin chose to ignore it. Meanwhile, Choi Sung-gun was suddenly thinking. He looked down at the two scripts for a moment, his chin in his hand. He opened his mouth a few seconds later.

“About Lee Wol-sun’s script, how bad is it that it doesn’t feel good? Is it like it’s going to be a disaster? Is it similar to when you worked with Director Woo Hyun-gu?”

To the serious Choi Sung-gun, Woo-jin decided to be honest.

“…No. It’s average.”

“Really? It’s not to the point where you absolutely don’t want to do it?”

“Yes. It’s not to that extent, but the one-act is better.”

“Okay, okay. I understand that. Hmm—to be honest, it’s not good to openly choose the one-act and diss Lee Wol-sun. Especially with the timing of your recent issue. If you turn your back on a star writer and a broadcasting station, the damage will be enormous.”

It was true. Turning your back on them was a problem, but dirty rumors and conflicts of interest would also be a problem. Connections were very important in the entertainment industry.

“Frankly speaking, it’ll be a hassle. If things get big, it’ll be annoying to clean up. You might get a bad reputation. And it’s a waste to throw away Lee Wol-sun.”

“……”

“If you’re okay with it, how about we try to grab both? I’ll take care of smoothing things out on both sides.”

Grab both? Woo-jin didn’t know what Choi Sung-gun was thinking, but he didn’t think it was bad. Choi Sung-gun was a pro among pros in this industry. Of course, his knowledge and skills would be superior to Woo-jin’s. Soon, Kang Woo-jin slowly nodded.

“I’ll leave it to you.”

As soon as he heard the answer, Choi Sung-gun, with his ponytail, smiled slyly. Then he picked up his phone and called the number on the business card that came with the one-act ‘Male Friend’ script. Where else would it be? The Netflix creative team.

It seemed the connection signal was short, as Choi Sung-gun immediately opened his mouth.

“Ah—yes, hello. This is CEO Choi Sung-gun of BW Entertainment. Yes, yes, hahaha. Yes. Woo-jin has seen the one-act script, and he says it’s good. Yes, yes. Before we set up a meeting, can I ask you for one favor?”

He started working.

“Please make sure that no articles are leaked to the outside, at least until this week.”

Then, after hanging up, Choi Sung-gun made another call.

“Woo-jin, we also have the ‘Sports Day’ filming tomorrow.”

He smiled at the silent Kang Woo-jin.

“Let’s wrap up these things today.”

On the same day, around lunchtime. At Park Eun-mi’s studio.

Park Eun-mi was sitting in front of her laptop again today, tearing at her hair. Thanks to that, her long perm hair was a mess.

“Ha—it’s not working, it’s not working at all.”

The pressure. Since the drama was a huge hit, the final episode couldn’t be just okay.

“Ha-”

At that moment.

-Knock knock, click!

The door suddenly opened, and a slender woman with glasses came in.

“Wri, Writer!”

It was Choi Nana, the assistant writer who wrote the one-act ‘Male Friend’ that won the Netflix contest, and her wide eyes were full of excitement.

“I-I-I just got a call from Netflix!”

Since Choi Nana was usually timid, Park Eun-mi frowned.

“Nana, calm down and speak slowly. You got a call from Netflix?”

“Yes, yes! Just now!”

“And?”

“I sent the script without much expectation after listening to you, but this morning, Kang Woo-jin said he liked the work and wants to have a meeting!!”

Park Eun-mi was slightly surprised.

“…Huh? Really? Really?”

“Yes! What should I do??! I’m so nervous! They said I have to attend the meeting too.”

“No, no, wait a minute. Nana, when did you send that script to Woo-jin?”

“Ah—they said it was sent yesterday, but they got the call this morning.”

“One day. So, you’re saying they called just one day after the script was sent? That’s too fast?”

“I… guess so?”

“No, Woo-jin’s script analysis and reading ability is insane. But he didn’t make a decision that quickly with ‘Profiler Han-ryang’ either?”

“Ah, isn’t it not a decision yet? It’s just a meeting.”

“I’m saying he’s not the type of person who would call for a meeting in just one day.”

Park Eun-mi, who was muttering, swept back her long perm hair and broadened her thoughts.

‘He should have plenty of scripts for large-scale projects, so why is he paying attention to Nana’s one-act? It’s just a meeting, but he wouldn’t have time to do something like that carelessly. Is it because of me?’

She immediately shook her head.

‘No. Woo-jin isn’t that kind of person. He doesn’t care about what others think at all? He’s a straight-up guy. Ah, could it be…’

At that moment, one word flashed through Park Eun-mi’s mind.

‘Kang Totem!’ [A term she uses to describe Woo-jin’s uncanny ability to pick successful projects]

She was currently worshipping Woo-jin almost like a religion, and the answer to why Kang Woo-jin suddenly chose a one-act was simple.

“…Nana.”

Park Eun-mi, with slightly widened eyes, looked at the stammering Choi Nana.

“Your one-act is going to be a hit.”

Of course, Choi Nana tilted her head.

“Huh?? What do you mean?”

“If the Kang Totem is activated, it’s a sign of a jackpot. And it’s reacting to your one-act right now.”

“Kang… Totem?”

“Woo-jin’s eye for works is almost god-like. Or rather, his sense or instinct.”

It was a natural conclusion. There was already plenty of evidence. Park Eun-mi, who was slightly creeped out, approached Choi Nana and placed her hands on her shoulders.

“Clearly, Woo-jin felt something in your script.”

Of course, Park Eun-mi.

“Something that’s going to be a hit.”

She had no idea that it was the kiss scene.

Late afternoon, a production company’s conference room.

Kang Woo-jin and Choi Sung-gun, dressed in blazers, were sitting side by side in the conference room of a large production company. It was a fairly large conference room, but it was strange that there were only two of them.

Of course, someone was about to come.

At that moment, Choi Sung-gun, who was tired and cracking his neck, spoke to Kang Woo-jin, who had a firm expression.

“Just answer when you need to, and I’ll take care of the rest.”

“Yes, CEO.”

“Well, I’ve already talked to Netflix, so there shouldn’t be any big problems. This side also thinks it’s good for everyone, considering your image and the overall situation.”

“I understand.”

“I’ll try to handle it well.”

At the same time.

-Swish.

The glass door of the conference room opened, and three people entered. A middle-aged woman and two men. Among them, the middle-aged woman with excessive jewelry was a familiar face. It was Lee Wol-sun. In other words, this production company was related to her.

Anyway, Choi Sung-gun smiled and extended his hand to Lee Wol-sun.

“Oh my—Writer, it’s been a while. We had a few meetings for Hye-yeon’s project in the past, do you remember?”

Then Lee Wol-sun smiled faintly.

“Of course. Honestly, isn’t there anyone in this industry who doesn’t know CEO Choi?”

“Haha, no. There are many.”

“Really? And—is this Kang Woo-jin?”

Lee Wol-sun, who naturally turned her gaze to Woo-jin, asked, and Kang Woo-jin, who was standing, bowed solemnly.

“It’s nice to meet you, Writer. I’m Kang Woo-jin.”

“Wow. You have a nice voice? You look much taller than on screen. Is this your usual look?”

“Yes, Writer.”

“You have a vibe. I’ve heard rumors, to be honest. That you’re very cynical. It’s true, then.”

Lee Wol-sun’s smile deepened. In response, Kang Woo-jin thought to himself.

‘She has a bit of a vibe like my mom, ah, I suddenly feel a chill down my spine.’

Lee Wol-sun had a bit of a snake-like vibe. She seemed strong-willed. Anyway, after a brief greeting, everyone sat down facing each other.

Lee Wol-sun was the first to start the conversation.

“I was a bit surprised to get a call so quickly.”

Choi Sung-gun muttered to himself.

‘First, let’s raise her mood with some lip service.’

He smiled slyly.

“It’s Lee Wol-sun’s script, so we had to call and visit right away, hahaha. I was touched that you took good care of our Woo-jin.”

“You’re still the same, CEO Choi.”

“Woo-jin and I read the script together, and you did an amazing job this time too.”

“Really?”

“Yes, yes, I was hooked from the first page.”

“How was it for Woo-jin?”

Woo-jin, who had a poker face, added some details to the truth.

“The first line of the script was impressive. The way you expressed the male lead ‘Tae-hyung’s’ mysophobia was also unique.”

Lee Wol-sun stared intently at Kang Woo-jin. She felt a different vibe from Woo-jin than the actors she usually saw. What should she call it? Should she say he didn’t seem like an actor?

“He definitely has an unusual vibe. A rare type that’s hard to get. Like a rough but smoothly carved stone. He’s unfamiliar, but that’s what makes him so captivating.”

“……”

“I should have met you before Park Eun-mi, it’s a bit of a shame.”

At that moment, the production company staff around her were slightly surprised. Regardless, Lee Wol-sun, who was looking at Woo-jin, turned her gaze to Choi Sung-gun.

“Why does it feel like the atmosphere is closer to NO than OK? Is it hard to get into my work?”

Choi Sung-gun immediately spewed out the pre-planned words.

“Hmm… it’s a bit ambiguous. To be honest, it’s closer to OK than NO.”

“Really? You’ll work with me?”

“Let me be frank. With Woo-jin’s current schedule, it’s hard to handle your work. There are already projects in preparation or projects that have been discussed in advance, whether they’re small or big. This isn’t an excuse or because your work isn’t good.”

“Hmm, continue.”

At this moment, Choi Sung-gun subtly tapped Kang Woo-jin’s thigh. They had a script planned. Soon, Woo-jin spoke in a low voice.

“I’m disappointed.”

Choi Sung-gun immediately grabbed the end of his words.

“Yes, that’s actually the case. But if this situation gets out, there might be misunderstandings.”

“That’s right. For example, that the rising Kang Woo-jin dissed Lee Wol-sun?”

“That’s right. Then it could also harm the projects that Woo-jin is going to be in. So, I was wondering if you could create a small role, we’ll try to adjust the schedule somehow.”

“A small role?”

“Yes. Then there won’t be any misunderstandings, and I think you’ll understand our feelings.”

Then, Lee Wol-sun looked back and forth between Choi Sung-gun and Kang Woo-jin and fell into thought. It was only for a moment. She asked the production company staff next to her for something and received a stack of papers. It was the first part of the ‘Freezing Romance’ script.

“Then, how about this role? In terms of volume, it’ll take a day or two at most to film.”

Lee Wol-sun pushed the opened script towards Kang Woo-jin.

“The ‘Mysterious Man Next Door’ role.”

Kang Woo-jin pretended to receive the script and secretly poked the black square next to the script.

-Thud!

The subspace arrived quickly. To be honest, he had said he had read it all, but he hadn’t read many pages of the script. That’s why he needed to check first.

“Let’s see-”

Among the listed white squares, Woo-jin selected ‘Freezing Romance.’ The letters were quickly listed.

-[5/You have selected the script (Title: Freezing Romance).]

-[Lists the characters available for reading (experience).]

-[A: Song Tae-hyung, B: Kim Jae-min, C: Do Chang-shik… P: Mysterious Man Next Door]

Of course, the role Kang Woo-jin chose was the ‘Mysterious Man Next Door’ role. But the familiar robotic female voice said something different from usual.

[“A new language other than the basic language is detected. First, learn ‘sign language’.”]

“Huh?”

It was an unexpected situation.

“I got lucky?”