I was Mistaken as a Monstrous Genius Actor [EN]: Chapter 65

“···A commercial?”

A commercial? Is he talking about those commercials I see on TV or YouTube? Kang Woo-jin maintained a poker face, a concept he had ingrained, but inside, he was genuinely shocked.

Wait, me filming a commercial?

The fact that a commercial, something usually done by famous celebrities, was offered to him was quite a shock. Well, Woo-jin had a reason to be surprised, but overall, it was a natural progression. The world is sensitive to trends these days.

The advertising market is the quickest to react to this.

Whether it’s a large corporation or the entertainment industry, if there’s a public reaction, they’ll seize it. For example, there were many cases where a trending figure, not a celebrity, would film a commercial. In other words, Kang Woo-jin was proving that he was a hit with the public.

But wait a minute. Why a hamburger?

Just as Kang Woo-jin’s curiosity about the hamburger grew, the van that had stopped started moving again, and Choi Sung-gun, who had turned around in the passenger seat, continued to explain to Woo-jin.

“Honestly, I thought it would come sooner or later, but it came a little faster than I expected. You roughly know why it’s a hamburger, right?”

At that moment, Kang Woo-jin happened to recall one of Park Dae-ri’s lines.

“Ah. Park Dae-ri’s line.”

“That’s right. The brand liked Park Dae-ri’s line about liking hamburgers, and the mukbang [eating broadcast] you showed in that interrogation scene.”

“Is that so?”

“Actually, after that broadcast, hamburger sales went up. Anyway, we got the call yesterday, but I told you today to surprise you. How do you feel? A commercial just two months after your debut? It’s record-breaking, isn’t it?”

Oh, wow, that’s really great? I don’t really understand the situation, but it’s amazing. Woo-jin tried hard to hide his rising expectations.

“Yes, it’s amazing.”

“Hehe, then let me make you even happier. The commercial size the brand proposed is big. They want to do a regular TV commercial and a YouTube commercial together. We’ll have to go to the meeting to discuss the fee, but with this size, the price will be quite high.”

“Is it just a one-time thing?”

“That’s right. Usually, the first commercial is a one-off. After the commercial airs, we’ll see how it goes and decide whether to extend it or sign a formal contract for a year.”

Kang Woo-jin slowly nodded, and Choi Sung-gun opened his diary, showing a deep smile.

“Anyway, we’re going ahead with this, right? This is a must-go. There’s no way a commercial could go wrong, right?”

That’s right. What’s bad about a commercial failing? It’s a definite go.

“Please take care of it.”

“Okay—amazing, amazing. Honestly, even Hye-yeon couldn’t get a commercial this fast. Well, let’s catch up to Hong Hye-yeon too. Ah, don’t tell her about this.”

“Understood. But what’s the format?”

“Format? Ah, ah—the concept? I heard it briefly on the phone. It seems like they’re going with Park Dae-ri as the motif. Just think of it as Park Dae-ri enjoying a hamburger.”

Indeed. Kang Woo-jin nodded inwardly. It was a concept that was easy to understand right away. Soon, Choi Sung-gun turned a page in his diary and continued the briefing.

“We’re cutting off all the small variety show offers and interview requests from various media outlets. As I said, there’s no need to go on those one by one. If you were trying to build recognition with a tiny role, maybe, but in your current situation, going on all of those is a loss.”

“I think so too.”

Woo-jin was pretending to know it all with a tough act, but he didn’t know anything. Choi Sung-gun was a pro, so he would take care of it.

“Instead, I’ve booked a few magazine photoshoots that we can quickly do, along with a few schedules related to ‘Profiler Han-ryang.’ Even though Park Dae-ri died at the end of episode 4, Song PD said that he’ll probably keep appearing in flashbacks or something until the end.”

Choi Sung-gun added an explanation as he closed his diary to the nodding Woo-jin.

“And starting today, a lot of articles about you will be released. It’s already exploding, but they’re all empty, and the ones our PR team is releasing are full of juicy tidbits.”

His smile deepened.

“‘Han-ryang’ is over, so let’s go all out with the promotion and soak up all the attention.”

After that.

As Choi Sung-gun said, many articles about Kang Woo-jin started to appear around lunchtime. Before, it was content related to ‘Profiler Han-ryang’ or Park Dae-ri, but this time, it was news that included tidbits only about Kang Woo-jin.

Kang Woo-jin, who hit consecutive home runs with Yoon Byung-sun PD’s ‘Sports Day,’ ‘Errand Service,’ and ‘Profiler Han-ryang,’ and his next destination.

『[StarIS] Chungmuro’s Blue Chip + Rising Star Kang Woo-jin, Still Quiet About His Next Project… When Will He Decide?』

In particular, the media and the public were very curious about Kang Woo-jin’s next project and his future moves. That’s because they couldn’t hear any rumors anywhere. There wasn’t even a single tabloid.

Thanks to that, everyone from the entertainment industry couldn’t help but tilt their heads.

Usually, when a rookie becomes a hit, their next move is immediately noticeable. But Kang Woo-jin, who had an impact several times bigger than a flash in the pan, was quiet. His agency was also silent.

『Movie? Drama? No News From Either Side, Fans’ Curiosity Explodes at the Silence of the Rapidly Rising ‘Kang Woo-jin’』

However, most of the current articles were from Choi Sung-gun. The ripple effect itself was already growing immensely in many places on the internet. In other words, everything was going in the direction Choi Sung-gun wanted.

Time to mature.

That’s how the day passed. Another bright morning. Wednesday, the 27th. On this day, Kang Woo-jin signed formal contracts with the two projects he had previously met with.

In the morning, it was the filler role of ‘Drug Dealer.’

“Oh, please take care of me, Woo-jin. Really, thank you so, so much. You’re a true savior, a savior.”

“I’ll do my best, Director.”

“What are you talking about? I’m the one who has to work hard. By the way, you’re really blowing up right now, aren’t you?”

“It seems like people are looking at me favorably.”

“Hmm, no, it’s because you’re good, Woo-jin. I watched episode 4 of ‘Han-ryang,’ and wow—your acting is really something. Anyway, I’ll organize the filming schedule as soon as possible and let you know. In the meantime, please familiarize yourself with the script as much as possible.”

“Yes.”

“It’s our side that’s in a hurry, so it’s okay if it’s a little lacking. If you forget your lines or blocking, we can cut it on set.”

Additionally, since ‘Drug Dealer’ was already in the middle of filming, they decided to skip the introductions and readings of the actors, and they even said that the cameo filming would be done in two weeks at the most.

Later, in the afternoon of the same day.

“It’s my first time signing a contract with an actor as soon as I started freelancing.”

They finalized the contract with star writer Lee Wol-sun’s ‘Freezing Romance.’

“I think it’s my first time too.”

“It’s amazing. How can you be so indifferent and yet express so much when you start acting? It’s also amazing that you know sign language.”

Lee Wol-sun’s tone was a bit softer than at the first meeting. It was understandable. Honestly, she was also worried about the ‘Strange Man Next Door’ role, which included sign language. But Kang Woo-jin appeared like a comet and solved her worries.

“It’s a shame. I’d like to work with you for a longer time, Woo-jin. I’m satisfied with a small role this time, but I hope we can meet again for a bigger role in the future.”

After the contract was smoothly concluded, writer Lee Wol-sun and executives from KBC’s drama department remained in the room. They were busy praising Kang Woo-jin’s rise.

“If Kang Woo-jin keeps growing like this, he’ll take the top spot in the shortest amount of time.”

“Right? He’s a bit cold, but other than that, he’s not difficult. Isn’t that right, writer?”

“If you look at his filmography, it’s amazing. He received the Mise-en-scène Acting Award [a prestigious short film festival award] for ‘Errand Service,’ and then the mega-hit drama ‘Han-ryang,’ which exceeded 20%, and now me. We gave Woo-jin supporting and minor roles because he wanted them, but originally, we were thinking of giving him a supporting role.”

“Well, maybe he’s participating in another huge project that we don’t know about?”

“Maybe. It feels like there are definitely people who have already marked him, not like me who discovered him late. Anyway, let’s release the articles right away? Woo-jin’s side also said they wanted to announce it as soon as possible.”

From late at night, new news about Kang Woo-jin exploded.

『[Star Talk] ‘Drug Dealer’ Director Kim Do-hee: “Actor Kang Woo-jin Saved Our Project”』

Of course, it was about ‘Drug Dealer’ and ‘Freezing Romance.’

『From Writer Park Eun-mi to Writer Lee Wol-sun? Rising ‘Kang Woo-jin’ Joins Star Writer Lee Wol-sun’s New Work in a Supporting Role』

The media and the public gave mixed reactions.

-Wow!! Is he switching from a star writer to another star writer right away???

-ㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋThat’s amazingㅋㅋㅋㅋPlease write more articles, this isn’t enough to get me excited.

-But it’s a bit disappointing… With Kang Woo-jin’s current status, he could easily get a lead role instead of a filler or supporting role….

-↑Agreed. Even if he’s a rookie, with his current explosive power, he could get a supporting role??

-Supporting role lolololol Why are you guys so obsessed with Kang Woo-jin? He’s just a newbie, what supporting role?

-That’s true lolololol Honestly, even if it’s a minor role, switching from Park Eun-mi’s work to Lee Wol-sun’s is amazing lolololol

-It’s not enough to get me excited… I want to see Kang Woo-jin in a lead role! Film a rom-com!!

‘Disappointing’ and ‘amazing’ coexisted. Whatever it was, one thing was certain. Not only the media but also the entire entertainment industry, including entertainment companies, production companies, and film companies.

『[Feature] Captivating Many With His Debut, Why the Future of Rookie ‘Kang Woo-jin’ Is Particularly Anticipated』

Kang Woo-jin was no longer unknown.

The next morning, Thursday, the 28th.

About a week had passed since the end of episode 4 of ‘Profiler Han-ryang.’ But ‘Han-ryang’ was still dominating the internet. At this time, Kang Woo-jin was in a van heading to BW Entertainment.

“······”

Kang Woo-jin, looking out the window with a stoic expression due to his concept, was actually quite happy.

‘Another appearance fee came in! And it looks like a commercial is coming soon. There are also many projects coming up, so I’ll earn more, right? My move to Seoul is just around the corner.’

It was for extremely realistic reasons. He wanted to dance with joy, but Jang Su-hwan and Han Ye-jung were in the van, so he couldn’t. He had to be calm and composed.

‘Ha—I’m a bit sleepy. What was today’s schedule again? Photoshoot and a few meetings. Should I rest in the subspace before going?’

Choi Sung-gun was not in the van. He was currently at the company. According to Jang Su-hwan, he was busy with Hong Hye-yeon’s work and company matters. Well, since Woo-jin was heading to the agency anyway, he would meet him soon.

An hour later.

Kang Woo-jin arrived at BW Entertainment. Jang Su-hwan went straight to the bathroom, and Han Ye-jung went to the PR team. Woo-jin greeted the busy staff members indifferently. In a low, cool tone.

‘Yeah, this is enough.’

Kang Woo-jin praised himself and headed to the CEO’s office.

—Swoosh.

The door opened immediately. Soon, Woo-jin could see the situation inside the CEO’s office. The first thing he saw was Choi Sung-gun with his ponytail. He was sitting at the head of the table in the center of the CEO’s office. Choi Sung-gun smiled as soon as he saw Woo-jin.

“Oh, hey, Woo-jin, you’re here?”

“Hello.”

The next thing he saw was Hong Hye-yeon sitting next to Choi Sung-gun. She was wearing a white hat, probably before going to the salon.

“I’m glad I get to see your face, I was about to leave soon.”

Whether she wore a hat or not, she was incredibly beautiful in Kang Woo-jin’s eyes.

‘Today, Hong Hye-yeon’s beauty is exploding as always—it’s a good start to the day?’

However, he couldn’t reveal his true feelings. Kang Woo-jin replied in a moderately cynical tone.

“Hello.”

The problem was.

‘Huh?’

There was a bear sitting in the seat opposite Hong Hye-yeon, whom he had never seen before. No, it wasn’t a bear, it was a person. A man with a huge build. Thanks to that, Woo-jin tilted his head inwardly.

‘He’s huge. His silhouette looks exactly like Kim Dae-young, that bastard… Wait, what?’

Kang Woo-jin, who made eye contact with the man, widened his eyes slightly. He almost threw up.

“!!!”

Why?

“Woo-jin.”

It wasn’t that he looked like Kim Dae-young, it was actually Kim Dae-young sitting there. He didn’t know why. Why are you sitting there? Regardless, Kim Dae-young was smiling. Kang Woo-jin almost slapped him on the cheek without realizing it. That’s how shocked he was.

‘Th, that crazy bastard!! Why, why, why is he here??!’

At this moment, Woo-jin’s thoughts stopped. He just stared at Kim Dae-young with a stiff face. At this time, Hong Hye-yeon, who was sitting across from Kim Dae-young, pointed at Kim Dae-young and chimed in.

“Isn’t this the friend from that time? The one who came with Woo-jin to the ‘Super Actor’ audition. I remember his face.”

No. Please don’t remember, please. Woo-jin desperately prayed inwardly, but the smiling Hong Hye-yeon treated Kim Dae-young warmly.

“What was it on that audition day? You told us you were going to design something for Woo-jin, right?”

“Yes, yes, that’s right. I also acted for about 15 seconds, do you remember?”

“Yeah, I don’t.”

“Ah. Is that so? Hahaha, thank you.”

What are you thanking for? No, don’t laugh. How can you be thankful there? Kang Woo-jin desperately wanted to slap Kim Dae-young on the back of his head. He wanted to hit him hard. But it was impossible.

‘Ah, damn it. Should I just run away? Can’t I just gloss over it later?’

Kim Dae-young knew all about Kang Woo-jin’s true colors as a small-time citizen. His concept was useless in front of him. And there was no time to explain now. Woo-jin was flustered. But out of habit, his concept managed his expression.

Whatever it was, it was a crisis at an absurd timing.

If his concept and various misunderstandings were revealed, Kim Dae-young was one thing, but Choi Sung-gun and Hong Hye-yeon would be in trouble. It was then.

“Huh? Woo-jin? Shouldn’t you talk to your friend?”

Choi Sung-gun spoke to Kang Woo-jin, who was standing still. Woo-jin barely managed to move his stopped thoughts. Had Choi Sung-gun already heard? That everything about me was a concept and that I had been misunderstanding things? Or not yet? I don’t know. For now, Woo-jin lowered his voice and gave a simple greeting to Kim Dae-young.

“It’s been a while.”

It had been a while. It was the first time since the park run back then. However, Kim Dae-young focused on Kang Woo-jin’s tone, expression, and atmosphere.

‘What’s with this guy? Why is he suddenly acting so serious?’

He was giving off a completely different vibe than the usual Kang Woo-jin. Thanks to that, Kim Dae-young slightly narrowed his brow.

“Uh—it has been.”

“Why are you here?”

“No, more than that, you.”

“Tell me why you’re here first.”

“······”

His tone was incredibly solemn. At this point, Kim Dae-young was sure. Something was wrong with Kang Woo-jin. His eyes were sharp, and his expression was extremely cold.

Why?

He was nothing like Kang Woo-jin.

Then.

‘Could it be… you.’

Kim Dae-young, who realized something inwardly, looked at Kang Woo-jin and then turned his gaze. To the goddess Hong Hye-yeon on the opposite side and Choi Sung-gun on the right. He scanned the two of them once and then returned his gaze to Woo-jin. A few seconds of eye contact.

Then, Kim Dae-young suddenly became serious.

“Woo-jin.”

He stood up from his seat. Then, he took a step towards the standing Kang Woo-jin. Woo-jin slightly pulled his head back. Don’t come, don’t come, you huge bastard. But Kim Dae-young didn’t stop, and he placed one hand on Woo-jin’s shoulder.

Then, Kim Dae-young uttered a slightly awkward line.

“You’ve become much more cheerful.”

Hong Hye-yeon and Choi Sung-gun said something similar at the same time.

“Th, that’s what you call cheerful?”

“Cheerful? More improved… you say? That?”

On the other hand, Kang Woo-jin.

“······?”

He was staring blankly at Kim Dae-young right in front of him, his head full of question marks. At that moment.

—Slightly.

Kim Dae-young, who made eye contact with Kang Woo-jin, secretly winked his right eye. A feeling of ‘I did well, right?’ At this, Kang Woo-jin closed his eyes tightly and sighed.

‘Don’t do it, you crazy bastard, don’t make things worse!’

End