I was Mistaken as a Monstrous Genius Actor [EN]: Chapter 63

The question of whether Kang Woo-jin spoke English was something Yoon Byung-sun PD asked very casually. These days, actors learn English from their trainee days.

But.

“It’s not just a little, it’s at a native level. Japanese too.”

Choi Sung-gun’s casual answer was quite unexpected. Native level? Yoon Byung-sun PD focused on the phrase ‘native level’.

‘Native level? Woo-jin’s pronunciation was good earlier, but… is CEO Choi exaggerating a bit?’

Yoon Byung-sun PD was planning a new variety show at HTBS, a major broadcasting channel that was essentially his home base. It was planned as a three-part series, and while some members were already being considered, nothing was confirmed as it was a large-scale variety show that would take place in various overseas locations.

More than anything, they needed someone who could speak a foreign language.

Ideally, it would be great to have someone fluent in English and Japanese, but Yoon Byung-sun PD knew that such people were rare. But now, he was hearing that Kang Woo-jin was fluent in English and Japanese at a native level.

‘Let’s probe a bit for now.’

Yoon Byung-sun PD pulled Choi Sung-gun to a slightly secluded corner of the studio.

“CEO Choi, when you say Woo-jin’s English and Japanese are at a native level, honestly, how fluent is he? Is it really like a local?”

“Huh? Well, you see.”

Something was off. Choi Sung-gun sensed something unusual in Yoon Byung-sun PD’s eyes.

‘At first, he seemed to be asking casually, but as soon as I mentioned native level, Yoon PD’s eyes changed. Did I hit on something he wanted?’

He quickly started thinking. He had caught the scent of the situation.

‘Yoon PD said he was planning a new variety show recently, right? But he’s showing interest in foreign languages? And asking out of the blue during filming. Then… could it be that this variety show is going to be filmed overseas?’

There was no confirmation. But the possibility was high.

‘Maybe it’s not just one overseas location, but several countries? Or maybe they’ll release the same format as a few series.’

All of this was Choi Sung-gun’s speculation. But it was worth a try, and Choi Sung-gun smiled slightly and whispered to Yoon Byung-sun PD.

“It’s beyond the level of a local. Our Woo-jin is not only incredibly good at acting, but he’s also ridiculously talented in languages. Not just Korean, but English, Japanese, and even sign language.”

“…Sign language? He even knows sign language?”

“Yes, yes. I only found out about the sign language recently, but anyway, he’s fluent in both English and Japanese. It’s no surprise, since Woo-jin is from overseas.”

Choi Sung-gun was trying to promote Kang Woo-jin as much as possible, even if it meant exaggerating a bit, but he was also unknowingly planting the seeds of delusion in Yoon Byung-sun PD’s mind.

“He has a lot of overseas experience.”

“Huh? Woo-jin was overseas? For how long?”

“Quite a while? If you hear Woo-jin speak English or Japanese directly, you’ll be amazed. Anyway, he’s very familiar with overseas. The atmosphere and culture, and all that.”

After hearing the explanation, Yoon Byung-sun PD fell silent, perhaps a little surprised. He wanted to hear more details, but he couldn’t. He couldn’t talk carelessly about the planning of the new variety show, and they were still in the middle of filming ‘Sports Day’.

At that moment.

“But PD-nim, why are you asking about Woo-jin’s foreign languages?”

Choi Sung-gun’s question made Yoon Byung-sun PD, who had been serious for a moment, smile.

“Huh? Ah, hahaha. No, it’s just that his English pronunciation was good earlier, so I was wondering if he was good at English.”

“Is that so? If you’re okay with it, why don’t you listen to Woo-jin’s English or Japanese after filming?”

“If I have time, I will, haha.”

Choi Sung-gun watched Yoon Byung-sun PD’s back as he returned to the staff. Then, he turned his gaze to Kang Woo-jin, who was being sternly scolded by Hong Hye-yeon in the filming zone.

‘If you even charm Yoon PD, you’ll become a real big-shot. How many big names from each field are you getting involved with since your debut?’

Drama, movies, variety shows, even Japan. In reality, Kang Woo-jin was interacting with many big names as soon as he appeared in the entertainment industry. Of course, even if timing and luck played a part, it was possible because of Woo-jin’s skills and charm.

About an hour later.

“Let’s take a 10-minute break! We’ll do the final talk and closing!”

The writer’s shout signaled a break. Soon, the actors began to get up and move around. However, Kang Woo-jin remained sitting silently. His expression was grim.

Why?

Because Hong Hye-yeon’s glare was still going on.

“······”

Well, she had a reason to be sulking. Kang Woo-jin hadn’t recognized Hong Hye-yeon, who was sitting right next to him, and who was even in the same agency and had worked with him on two projects.

Woo-jin was also blaming himself. Of course, internally.

‘You idiot. Even so, not recognizing Hong Hye-yeon-nim is a bit… ha, but the pictorial was really completely different.’

Luckily, at this point.

“Woo-jin-ssi.”

Yoon Byung-sun PD, wearing glasses, rescued Kang Woo-jin from the hellish glare.

“Can we talk for a moment?”

Instead of asking why, Woo-jin immediately got up.

“Okay.”

As he passed by Hong Hye-yeon, she threw a word at Kang Woo-jin.

“Hmph, just you wait.”

Woo-jin, who had paused, cleared his throat and replied in a low voice.

“You look much better in person than in the pictorial.”

“…What did you say?”

“It’s true. That’s why I didn’t recognize you.”

“Liar.”

“You look better now.”

It was like a band-aid on a deep wound. He hoped that Hong Hye-yeon’s heart would be a little bit relieved. Whatever the case, Kang Woo-jin followed Yoon Byung-sun PD, and Hong Hye-yeon, who was quietly watching Woo-jin’s back, flipped her long hair and muttered to herself.

“That tsundere, really.”

Around 10 PM.

The third episode of ‘Profiler Hanryang,’ which had caused a nationwide stir, was finally broadcast. The power of a 23% viewership rating was indeed impressive. TVs in countless homes, bars, and restaurants were tuned to SBC.

As a result, the official talk board and online communities of ‘Profiler Hanryang’ were buzzing like an earthquake.

-Kyaaak!! Finally, episode 3!!!

-ㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠI never thought I’d be watching a drama live like thisㅠㅠㅠㅠ

-I haven’t even watched it yet, but it’s already funㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ

-Why are you all sucking up to it so muchㅋㅋㅋㅋIt’s so boring

-Is Ryu Jung-min going to be super cute again today???

-I came because they said Park Dae-ri’s acting was amazing (but I’m just here to see Hong Hye-yeon)

-Kang Woo-jin! Kang Woo-jin! Kang Woo-jin!

-Who is Kang Woo-jin?

-He’s the actor who played Park Dae-riㅋㅋㅋㅋHe’s the hottest rising actor these daysㅋㅋㅋㅋHis acting is insane

The third episode of ‘Profiler Hanryang’ began with Park Dae-ri’s confession and the revelation that there was another real culprit.

There’s a real culprit?

[“Hah- this is getting big. I shouldn’t have taken this case.”]

While grumbling, Yoo Ji-hyung examines all of Park Dae-ri’s records. Everything about his birth, upbringing, and life.

The third episode unfolded very rapidly.

Each character moved quickly, not giving the viewer a moment to look at the time. Soon, in the middle of the episode, Yoo Ji-hyung and Park Dae-ri face each other again in the interrogation room.

This scene was the highlight.

The intense psychological battle between Park Dae-ri and Yoo Ji-hyung was broadcast in full force. Their expressions and gazes were fierce. At this moment, Yoo Ji-hyung attacks Park Dae-ri.

[“You had an older sister, who committed suicide.”]

There was a change in Park Dae-ri, who had been unremarkable until now. The camera angle filled the screen with Park Dae-ri. The dark pupils of Park Dae-ri, who had maintained a faint smile, were intense.

They were filled with an unknown emotion.

[“That’s right, I had one. A sister.”]

It was calm but bizarre. But Yoo Ji-hyung continues to poke at Park Dae-ri’s weaknesses. His suicidal sister, his dead mother, and.

[“Your father was the beginning of awakening the pleasure of serial killing, right? The serial killings weren’t five, but six.”]

Even the hidden murder. A total of six. After that, Park Dae-ri and Yoo Ji-hyung had to have several more interrogation room dates.

What broke off those dates was.

[“His alibi is solid.”]

It was Jung Yeon-hee. She revealed that there was no manipulation in Park Dae-ri’s alibi. In other words, it was certain that there was a real culprit. If so, while revealing the real culprit.

[“Then, let’s start by organizing the serial killings.”]

They had to check the past serial killings that Park Dae-ri called his works. The interesting thing was that Park Dae-ri was quite cooperative.

From here on, it was the scene of Park Dae-ri’s murder site inspection.

Park Dae-ri calmly demonstrates the method of murder using a doll. At the same time, the screen switches. The actual murder scene of Park Dae-ri is shown to the viewers. Park Dae-ri dragging a middle-aged woman like a pet.

A face full of pleasure.

[“Kyaaak! Keuh! Breath! I can’t breathe!”]

Again, Park Dae-ri’s face fills the screen.

[“A little more. I wish the screams were a little louder. It’s not as arousing.”]

The viewers gave various comments while watching Park Dae-ri.

-Damn, that bastard, but I was aroused

-Wowwwww, the acting is insane, it’s true that the tension goes up when Park Dae-ri appears

-Let’s not curse the actor~ He’s just acting so well

-Kang Woo-jin: I wish you’d praise me more, it’s not as arousing?

-ㅠㅠㅠㅠThat supporting actor must be traumatized….

-I think Kang Woo-jin is the best actor in this drama

-???: I wish there were more toppings on the pizza, it’s not as arousing?

-Damn, that’s crazyㅋㅋㅋㅋWow, look at his eyes, didn’t they say that actor was a rookie??

-ㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋA meme was created alreadyㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ

-The ‘not as arousing’ thing is going to become a memeㅋㅋㅋㅋ

‘Profiler Hanryang’ switches scenes again.

After the on-site inspection, Park Dae-ri looks at the place where his work was born and says to Yoo Ji-hyung.

[“But you know. The real culprit followed my murder method exactly. I can understand the feeling or atmosphere, but knowing all the details- isn’t the real culprit in a similar profession as the profiler?”]

Something flashed through Yoo Ji-hyung’s mind. That’s right. No matter how much they try to copy, they can’t be exactly like Park Dae-ri. There’s a limit to the information available. Moreover, most of Park Dae-ri’s murders were before 2010.

There would be even less information.

But all the details, such as the murder method, format, or habits, were clearly the same. At this time, Park Dae-ri, who shrugged his shoulders, spoke again.

[“The police can also kill people, maybe they’re the same kind as me.”]

Close-up of Yoo Ji-hyung’s face.

That was the end of the third episode. At the same time, everyone on the internet or watching TV was crying out.

They wanted the next episode.

And the next day, Saturday morning, the viewership rating for the third episode was released.

『[Official] ‘Profiler Hanryang’ can’t be stopped by anyone, 3rd episode viewership rating 24.1%』

Unstoppable momentum. The viewership rating was rising endlessly. At the same time, the popularity of Kang Woo-jin, who played Park Dae-ri, also soared. Park Dae-ri in the third episode had that kind of impact.

The media and

『’Park Dae-ri’, who shined the most in the 3rd episode of ‘Profiler Hanryang’, viewers say “Kang Woo-jin’s acting is insane!”』

『[Photo] ‘There are no holes in his acting’ ‘Profiler Hanryang’ scene stealer Park Dae-ri/Photo』

Public opinion was all captivated by Kang Woo-jin.

This was a mess all day Saturday. Even until the start of the 4th episode of ‘Profiler Hanryang’.

With that momentum, the 4th episode was released.

Yoo Ji-hyung and Jung Yeon-hee, who got a clue from Park Dae-ri, investigate the police side. Everyone involved in Park Dae-ri’s past serial killings. Of course, it wasn’t easy. But as new clues emerged, the real culprit was gradually narrowed down.

From here on, things went smoothly.

That’s what was strange to Yoo Ji-hyung.

[“It can’t be this easy.”]

Anyway, the suspects were narrowed down to a total of five. They were people who had lived the life of a police officer, either currently working or retired. Yoo Ji-hyung and Jung Yeon-hee slowly interrogate them and corner them.

Little by little, the true nature of the real culprit is revealed.

Finally.

[“Four have alibis, and one doesn’t.”]

Because only one person didn’t have an alibi, Yoo Ji-hyung, Jung Yeon-hee, and the police raid the real culprit’s house.

The problem was.

[“Hey, hey! Wake up!!”]

[“Is he dead??!”]

The real culprit was already dead at home. There were no wounds on his body, but the foam in his mouth suggested death from drugs.

Actually.

[“Cyanide was detected.”]

It was indeed death from drugs. The police thought it was suicide, but the investigation revealed it was murder. Thanks to this, Yoo Ji-hyung had a hunch.

[“Maybe… is there an accomplice?”]

That there might be a hidden accomplice. They found the real culprit, but the case was not yet closed. Yoo Ji-hyung felt like he was walking in the fog. He didn’t know it right away, but it seemed like there was a huge truth hidden in this case.

After that, Yoo Ji-hyung visited Park Dae-ri again. Park Dae-ri greeted him happily.

[“You’re here? It’s been a while. I heard you caught the real culprit, but he died? That’s a shame.”]

[“……Why did you confess? You admitted to all the murders, so it’s at least a death sentence. You have nothing to gain. If you had lived as you were, no one would have known. Why did you confess?”]

[“I don’t want to tell you that.”]

[“Are you atoning now?”]

[“Atoning?”]

Park Dae-ri’s lips twitched. He even made a slight nasal sound. He was suppressing a burst of laughter.

[“That’s a very nice word. Atonement. But you know, sin is something that people decide. I’m the judge.”]

[“Don’t talk nonsense. Now that I won’t be seeing you again, tell me quietly. We’ve been through a lot together.”]

[“……”]

At that moment, Park Dae-ri’s eyes, looking at Yoo Ji-hyung, were filled with loneliness. He wasn’t looking at Yoo Ji-hyung like that. It was about himself.

[“Profiler-nim. The hamburger we ate in the interrogation room was delicious. Those small motivations or goals take up a big part of life, right? I don’t have much time left, so I wanted to find pleasure.”]

[“Not much time left?”]

[“If it wasn’t for that real culprit, my works would have remained legends forever, that’s the only thing I regret.”]

[“……”]

[“No, rather than regret, I’m so frustrated I could die.”]

Here, the scene switches. The truth about the real culprit and the progress of the case were revealed to the world. Around this time, one piece of news about Park Dae-ri was delivered to Yoo Ji-hyung.

[“He has terminal colon cancer.”]

The name of the disease that Park Dae-ri had was revealed belatedly. Soon, Yoo Ji-hyung, feeling something was wrong, immediately got in his car and drove. To meet Park Dae-ri.

But.

[“Here!! Here!!! Damn it!”]

Park Dae-ri had hanged himself in prison. Yoo Ji-hyung quickly tried to help him, but Park Dae-ri was already dead. And on the floor where Park Dae-ri had hanged himself, there was a note. It was a final letter to Yoo Ji-hyung.

-With this, my work is seven, not six, it was fun.

That was the last scene of Park Dae-ri and the fourth episode.

Around 11:10 PM on Saturday night.

A black van stopped in front of Kang Woo-jin’s studio apartment. Of course, it was a van carrying Woo-jin, and Kang Woo-jin, wearing a hat, got out as the back door opened.

“You worked hard.”

“If the viewership ratings explode tomorrow, it’ll be a mess again, so please go in quickly, hyung-nim [older brother/term of respect]!!”

Only Jang Su-hwan was visible in the van, and the car drove away after his strong greeting. Today, Kang Woo-jin had spent the whole day doing promotional schedules with the ‘Profiler Hanryang’ team. There were still some interviews left after ‘Sports Day’.

Soon.

“Hah- I’m so tired.”

Kang Woo-jin took off the hat he had been wearing as soon as the schedule was over. And he checked the time.

“I’m a little hungry.”

He wanted ramen. But Kang Woo-jin remembered that he didn’t have any ramen at home. In fact, there was a request from Choi Sung-gun that he should start building his body. Once he built it, it would be useful anytime, or so he said.

“Well, let’s just eat today.”

He put his hat back on and trudged away. To go to the convenience store near his studio apartment. Right now, he was in the form of an ordinary citizen, Kang Woo-jin. It was similar to when he worked at a design company.

-Swoosh.

Kang Woo-jin arrived at a fairly large convenience store. Perhaps because of the warm weather, quite a few people, young and old, were enjoying beer at the tables in front of the convenience store. There were no empty seats at the tables.

“······”

Regardless, Kang Woo-jin rummaged through his pockets and took out his wallet.

‘Do I have kimchi at home? Do I need to buy kimchi too?’

At that moment.

“Oh!! Park Dae-ri? No!”

A loud shout was heard from a table where only women were sitting, among the six or so tables.

“It’s, it’s Kang Woo-jin!”

End