I was Mistaken as a Monstrous Genius Actor [EN]: Chapter 87

“You also thought of the ‘Kiyoshi role,’ Director?”

Writer Akari asked, a hint of surprise in her voice. Director Kyotaro, his hair showing a touch of gray, chuckled softly.

“Yes, Writer.”

So, from the very beginning, he had envisioned that Korean actor for the lead role? Writer Akari continued,

“From the start, were you planning to offer the Kiyoshi role to actor Kang Woo-jin? The moment you saw him?”

Director Kyotaro shook his head slightly.

“No, not from the very beginning. When I first saw Woo-jin, the script was still being adapted. It was more that after seeing ‘The Fixer,’ I knew I wanted to work with him in some capacity.”

“Then when? When did you start picturing him as the lead?”

“…It’s not entirely clear. Perhaps it was after I returned to Korea this time and watched the drama Woo-jin was in. Did you happen to see ‘Profiler Han Ryang’ at the hotel?”

Writer Akari could have watched it, but her schedule had been too demanding.

“No, not yet.”

“My schedule was a bit more flexible than yours, so I watched it as soon as I arrived in Korea. I couldn’t resist my curiosity. You should definitely watch it when you have some time. It’s exceptionally well-made. And I was quite envious.”

“You’re referring to the difference in quality between Korean and Japanese dramas.”

“Yes. Korea is already far ahead of Japan. In terms of the actors’ performances, directing, technology, and everything else.”

Director Kyotaro’s expression turned slightly bitter.

“It’s likely a difference in systems. It’s definitely a work that deserves over 20% viewership. And it was Woo-jin who controlled the pace of that massive production from the start.”

“……”

“He plays a serial killer who is a mix of a psychopath and a sociopath, and Woo-jin’s restrained psychological portrayal in the drama was superb. It’s not just about expressing emotions; you can feel the character’s inner turmoil just by looking at his face. His actions, eyes, breathing, and voice tone. Nothing is superfluous.”

Director Kyotaro, who had been speaking quietly, reflected on his decades of experience.

“No matter how much I consider it, it’s the first time I’ve seen anything like it. Woo-jin has his own unique acting style, and it deeply moves the viewers.”

“I saw today that he even ignited the passion of his fellow actors.”

“That’s right. As you witnessed, that captivating performance and the eyes that relentlessly pursue something. Any actor would be inspired seeing that up close.”

Here, Director Kyotaro met Akari’s gaze and became serious.

“I thought about it while watching ‘Han Ryang,’ and I was certain of it today on the movie set. The ‘Kiyoshi role’ will be perfect for him.”

“He also has sociopathic tendencies. I was drawn to his single-minded acting today. Acting that chases only one thing. What kind of life has he lived? How could he express such cruelty so casually…”

“I don’t know. But he probably hasn’t had an easy life. He must have gone through many hardships, leading a dull and dark life as an unknown.”

Writer Akari, adjusting her glasses on her nose, also admitted it inwardly. He must have lived a difficult life, no matter what. Otherwise, the hellish acting that Kang Woo-jin displayed today, so intense it was almost rotten, would be nearly impossible.

“I’m the original author, but… I’m also scared.”

Director Kyotaro agreed.

“Acting that surpasses the character created by the director. When you see that, you feel that your script and directing are so inadequate.”

With that, he picked up a stack of papers nearby. It was the script for ‘The Bizarre Sacrifice of a Stranger.’

“Writer, I have a request.”

“A request? What is it?”

Director Kyotaro, opening the script, pointed to a specific spot with his index finger.

“I want to slightly modify the setting of the ‘Kiyoshi role.'”

“The setting? How?”

“I want to incorporate a Korean feel into the character. The first thing that comes to mind is his past.”

“His origin? Or like a Korean-Japanese background?”

“It would be even better if there were Korean lines.”

“…Certainly. The character of Kiyoshi will become more multifaceted. Especially if the actor playing the role is Korean.”

Soon, Writer Akari smiled.

“I’m in favor.”

Director Kyotaro, scratching his gray hair, closed the script he was looking at.

“Now, all that’s left is his answer.”

The next day, the 13th.

Kang Woo-jin’s ‘Drug Dealer’ filming had wrapped up the day before, except for some minor post-production tasks. It was a natural conclusion since ‘Lee Sang-man’ had died in the story.

Then, the weekend arrived.

At this time, due to the continuous stream of issues, the entertainment industry was experiencing a frenzied peak season. It was a boon for the media, and the internet was overflowing with new stimuli every day.

『[Drama] Tense ‘Profiler Han Ryang’ Episode 9, Final Viewership Rating 22.6%』

‘Han Ryang,’ which had passed the midpoint of the series, was still soaring, maintaining a viewership rating in the 20% range. Of course, if Park Detective appeared in flashbacks, this was also reported in the news.

Viewers still couldn’t forget Park Detective.

-Park Detective was truly amazing… Other actors are good too, but Kang Woo-jin’s impact was too intense… ㅠㅠㅜ Come back… I’m less engaged…

‘Han Ryang’ was scheduled to finish all filming next week. Of course, Kang Woo-jin had already completed his filming some time ago, but his schedule with ‘Han Ryang’ was not entirely over.

Rather, ‘Han Ryang,’ a massive hit that had reached a 25% viewership rating, was just getting started after the drama ended.

First, the wrap-up party.

The wrap-up party, where all the actors gathered after the drama ended, was also a place for actors to increase their visibility. Because many reporters and the public were interested. After the wrap-up party, there were various behind-the-scenes shoots, interviews, reruns, OTT [Over-the-top media service] releases, and so on.

Especially for a hit drama like ‘Han Ryang,’ overseas expansion was crucial.

『[Official] ‘Profiler Han Ryang’ to Launch on Netflix Japan After Finale!』

Currently, ‘Han Ryang’ was confirmed to be released on Netflix Japan. In other words, even after the series ended, there were endless opportunities for Woo-jin to benefit from ‘Han Ryang.’ No matter what anyone said, Kang Woo-jin’s contribution to the success of ‘Han Ryang’ was significant.

Next.

『[Movie Talk] A Rookie in the Lead Role? Is There Something Between ‘Kang Woo-jin’ and ‘Director Kwon Ki-taek’?』

The ‘Island of the Missing’ related news, which had exploded like a nuclear bomb two days prior, was already saturated. No, it was developing even further. Currently, facts and abusive articles involving Director Kwon Ki-taek, Kang Woo-jin, and others were rampant.

Still, the same old nonsense and fabricated stories.

Although the past was gone, rumors with added embellishments were circulating. But for Kang Woo-jin, the current situation was not bad at all.

『[Star Photo] ‘Mega Rising Star’ Kang Woo-jin, Exploding Interest with 550,000+ SNS Followers / Photo』

『Kang Woo-jin Fan Cafe ‘Strong Heart’ Nearing 10,000 Members』

He was truly making a strong impression on the public. Kang Woo-jin’s recognition was now comparable to that of any top actor. However, although it didn’t seem like it would easily fade away, this surge was due to ‘freshness’ and ‘shock value.’ Like any trend, the time for it to cool down would come.

The key was how long it would last.

Anyway, the noisy weekend passed somehow.

Monday arrived again. Late morning. The location was a photoshoot studio near Samsung Station. The entire place had a white background, and numerous lights were shining brightly. There, Kang Woo-jin was standing, wearing a gray suit.

Full makeup and neatly styled hair.

And.

-Click! Beep beep beep!

The photographer was snapping pictures of Kang Woo-jin.

“Nice! Good, good! Woo-jin, this time, let’s lift your chin a bit more!”

“Ah- yes.”

“Oh, oh, nice, nice! That feeling of looking down on everything. Good!”

-Click! Beep beep beep!

Woo-jin was currently shooting for a famous men’s magazine. Of course, he was scheduled to grace the cover of the magazine. Recently, Woo-jin had many such schedules.

“Okay! This time, let’s smile! Smile!”

Woo-jin, who was a commoner at heart, was getting the hang of the photoshoot. He had adapted. Of course, it was still a bit awkward. But compared to acting, it was a piece of cake.

‘Was this one supposed to be the magazine cover? Wow- I’ve really made it big.’

Woo-jin, who was slightly excited, suddenly felt a bit down.

‘Ah- but it’s a bit embarrassing if someone I know sees that magazine.’

At that moment.

“Okay! Woo-jin! Change your clothes and let’s go again in 5 minutes!”

The photographer requested a change of clothes. Thanks to that, Woo-jin’s stylist, Han Ye-jeong, became busy, and Kang Woo-jin took off his suit jacket and returned to his seat.

At the same time.

“Woo-jin.”

Choi Seong-geon, who had just been on the phone with someone, handed Woo-jin a water bottle and asked.

“You said you finished reading ‘Island of the Missing,’ right?”

Woo-jin, who nonchalantly opened the water bottle, nodded.

“Yes, I finished the first reading and I’m reading it for the second time.”

Soon, Choi Seong-geon, with his ponytail, whispered in Woo-jin’s ear.

“When are you going to meet Director Kyotaro?”

Suddenly? Ah- since he’s in Japan, do I need to make an appointment in advance? Kang Woo-jin replied as if it didn’t matter.

“Whenever it fits my schedule, I’m fine.”

“Have you decided on the Japan debut?”

“Yes.”

“Then how about tonight after you finish your schedule?”

“…Tonight?”

Even so, isn’t that a bit tight? Woo-jin made a face that seemed to say that, and Choi Seong-geon laughed.

“Actually, I couldn’t tell you because of your ‘Drug Dealer’ filming. Director Kyotaro is in Korea right now.”

“Ah.”

“And he also came to the ‘Drug Dealer’ set. With a guest. That- the writer Akari you mentioned.”

Woo-jin was surprised, but he barely managed to hide his expression. But inside, he was shouting.

‘They saw me?? Those two?!’

But Kang Woo-jin had to remain calm. So he desperately suppressed his excitement.

“Is that so?”

“Yeah. Sorry, there was a request from their side, and I didn’t want to disturb your acting, so I didn’t say anything.”

“It’s okay.”

Seeing the calm Woo-jin, Choi Seong-geon gave a slightly hollow smile.

“It was supposed to be a surprise, but your reaction is so bland. Well, that’s you. So, are you okay with tonight?”

Kang Woo-jin replied briefly.

“Yes, I’m in.”

Then, the photographer called for Kang Woo-jin again. As Woo-jin got up, Choi Seong-geon spoke again.

“Ah, and Writer Akari will probably come too.”

Meanwhile, at the ‘Han Ryang’ filming set.

As the end was near, dozens of staff members, including the bearded Song Man-woo PD [Production Director], were busy.

“Standby in 10 minutes!!”

“PD! Please check the props here!”

“Okay, okay- I’m going.”

On one side of the chaotic set.

“Hmm-”

Top actress Hong Hye-yeon, with her legs crossed in the actors’ waiting area, was looking down at her phone. Her white skin had heavy makeup for wounds, likely from a demanding shoot.

What Hong Hye-yeon was looking at was an article related to ‘Island of the Missing.’

-Swish.

She turned her head to the right while looking at her phone. Ryu Jeong-min, with his baby perm, was looking at the script.

“Oppa [an honorific term used by a younger female to address an older male], it’s confirmed that you’re in ‘Island of the Missing,’ right?”

At the sudden question, Ryu Jeong-min, who was looking at the script, narrowed his brows.

“What’s with you all of a sudden?”

“No- it’s just that Woo-jin is the only one appearing in the ‘Island of the Missing’ articles. I was wondering when you would appear.”

“I don’t know. Last I heard, they said they would release it slowly, little by little. I don’t know exactly, but they’ll probably start with Woo-jin and then slowly reveal the rest. You know how it is, right?”

“Do you contact Woo-jin?”

“No, not yet. Anyway, the casting of the main cast for ‘Island of the Missing’ was confidential. Woo-jin probably doesn’t know I’ve joined yet? Did you tell him?”

“Me? No?”

“Why? Aren’t you close to Woo-jin? You’re in the same agency.”

Ryu Jeong-min, who was slightly puzzled, suddenly chuckled.

“Are you still sulking at Woo-jin because of the ‘Sports Day’? Wow- how petty are you? That photoshoot was honestly confusing, wasn’t it?”

“What are you talking about? I’m not?”

At this point, Ryu Jeong-min was called by Song Man-woo PD. Therefore, Hong Hye-yeon looked down at her phone again, and this time, she searched for something else. It was related to Hwa-rin and Kang Woo-jin. That is, ‘Male Friend.’ There were quite a few articles.

‘It seems to be progressing smoothly.’

In fact, Hong Hye-yeon hadn’t seen Kang Woo-jin since the ‘Sports Day’ schedule, and she hadn’t contacted him much either. A congratulatory text was all. On the other hand, she had contacted Hwa-rin right after ‘Male Friend’ was confirmed.

Because she was incredibly curious.

‘He was so indifferent when we were drinking wine back then, but he suddenly did a one-act play like that?’

But Hwa-rin’s answer was simple. ‘It’s not really related to Kang Woo-jin, I just liked the work’ was all. It seemed reasonable at first glance, but.

‘Something… feels strange.’

Hong Hye-yeon felt uneasy. Well, there was no connection between Kang Woo-jin and Hwa-rin at all. This could only be explained as a woman’s intuition. But it was strange to suspect without reason or ask Hwa-rin.

At this point.

“Ah, what am I doing?”

Hong Hye-yeon, feeling strange about herself who had fallen deep into thought, shook her head.

‘Okay, okay, let’s not worry about it. Yeah, I’m just curious if the work Kang Woo-jin chose will do well again. Yes, that’s all.’

Kang Woo-jin, who had a knack for choosing successful projects, chose ‘Male Friend,’ and then Hwa-rin suddenly joined. Somehow, it felt similar to ‘The Fixer.’ Hong Hye-yeon tried to convince herself that she was just worried about that similar feeling.

However.

“……”

A faint but unknown emotion continued to arise in Hong Hye-yeon. It kept bothering her, coming to mind, and making her think. There was also a discomfort in one corner of her heart. Nevertheless, Hong Hye-yeon continued to deny it.

Soon, Hong Hye-yeon, who had been silent for a while.

-Swish.

Called the team leader of her team, who was gathered on the left.

“Team Leader.”

Soon, the skinny team leader, who was talking with the stylists, approached Hong Hye-yeon.

“Oh, oh? Why? Do you want something to drink?”

“No. That… you know. I heard that Woo-jin’s new variety show with PD Yoon is confirmed?”

It was still a secret to the world that Kang Woo-jin had joined Yoon Byung-sun PD’s new variety show, but there was quite a bit of talk about it within BW Entertainment. Of course, it was kept quiet. That’s why Hong Hye-yeon had heard about it.

Whatever it was, the team leader nodded casually.

“Ah- yeah, I heard that? I heard they’re collecting promotional materials.”

“Is it an outdoor variety show?”

“I don’t know. It doesn’t seem like an outright outdoor variety show.”

“……”

She suddenly fell into thought. The team leader, who seemed to find this strange, asked back.

“Why? All of a sudden.”

Hong Hye-yeon, looking around, lowered her voice and said.

“Should I try that too?”