I was Mistaken as a Monstrous Genius Actor [EN]: Chapter 88

The team leader, who was as thin as a rail, stared blankly at Hong Hye-yeon for a moment at her sudden words.

“Huh?”

The reason was simple. She was a top-tier actress, one of the most prominent in the country, and she hadn’t particularly favored variety show appearances. Rather, she tended to avoid them. It wasn’t that she looked down on variety shows, but more that she felt burdened by them.

It was quite common for celebrities to have a fear of variety shows because they knew they weren’t good at talking or being funny.

Hong Hye-yeon was one of them.

Of course, thanks to her influence, she received numerous variety show offers every year, but she almost always declined. If she did participate, it was usually a short-term appearance like ‘Sports Day.’ The team leader knew this very well, which is why he was slightly taken aback.

“…You’re saying you want to do a variety show with PD [Production Director] Yoon?”

“Yeah.”

“Not ‘Sports Day’?”

“No. The new one he’s starting.”

The team leader’s eyes grew wider as he whispered. On the other hand, Hong Hye-yeon avoided his gaze. Anyway, the team leader lowered his voice even more.

“You don’t usually do variety shows, do you? And didn’t you even turn down PD Yoon Byung-sun’s offer about a year ago?”

It was true. However, Hong Hye-yeon, who had tied her long hair back up, shrugged it off nonchalantly.

“That one back then was an outright outdoor variety show. I’m a bit weak with those. But this one is supposed to be different, right?”

“That’s true, but are you serious? You’re not joking, are you?”

“Team leader, have you ever seen me joke about work?”

“No? No, I haven’t.”

The team leader, quickly admitting it, thought of Choi Sung-gun with his ponytail.

“Did you tell the CEO?”

“I just thought of it now?”

If Hong Hye-yeon said she would do it, there was no reason for Choi Sung-gun to object. More than anything, although Kang Woo-jin’s recent momentum had been added, Hong Hye-yeon’s power within BW Entertainment was immense.

The team leader then scratched his chin, looking puzzled.

“Well, if you, Hye-yeon, want to do it, it’s fine. But it’s a bit out of the blue. Is there a reason why you suddenly want to do a variety show?”

Hong Hye-yeon, who had crossed her long legs, hid her true feelings and vaguely made excuses.

“Just because. Well, this ‘Sports Day’ was fun, and I thought I’d take a break after ‘Hanryang.’ The drama was successful, but it was tough, right? In many ways.”

“Hmm, well, it was a bit tight. So, you’re saying you’ll do a variety show first instead of your next project?”

“It’s not confirmed yet. PD Yoon might not want to work with me.”

“No way. If you say you’ll do it, he’ll jump at the chance.”

Hong Hye-yeon, who had cleared her throat slightly, said quietly.

“First, set up a meeting.”

That same night.

The time was a little past 9 PM. A black van was visible in the parking lot of a large hotel in Seoul. It was Kang Woo-jin’s car. Soon, Woo-jin, with an indifferent face, got out of the van.

-Thump!

Choi Sung-gun also followed right after from the passenger seat. He then spoke to Jang Su-hwan and Han Ye-jeong in the car.

“It’ll take a while, so you two go have dinner.”

“Yes, sir!”

“Eat nearby and come when I call you.”

The van slowly exited the parking lot, and Choi Sung-gun patted Woo-jin’s shoulder.

“Let’s go.”

“Yes.”

Woo-jin was wearing a white shirt and jeans, but he had full makeup on. It seemed like he had just made some minor adjustments from his morning photoshoot. Anyway, after putting on a black mask, he moved to the elevator with Choi Sung-gun.

His steps were calm, and the atmosphere was heavier than ever.

But inside, he was thinking.

‘I’m craving jokbal [braised pig’s trotters] with soju [Korean rice wine]. If I add makguksu [buckwheat noodles], that’s the best. The drug lord is done, so I’m going to have jokbal when I get home today. I wonder what time this will end?’

He was thinking about a hearty late-night meal. Recently, Woo-jin had been on a diet due to the filming of ‘Drug Lord,’ and he had become a bit more relaxed since the filming ended. Soon, Woo-jin, who had gotten on the elevator, swallowed his saliva.

At that moment.

“Woo-jin-ah.”

Choi Sung-gun, leaning his shoulder against the elevator mirror, asked a question.

“Aren’t you nervous?”

Choi Sung-gun had a slightly tense face.

“You’re about to meet Director Kyotaro and Writer Akari, but you’re so calm? They’re both huge figures. You’ve met Director Kotaro once, but Writer Akari is a global sensation.”

Woo-jin’s answer to Choi Sung-gun, who was rattling on, was short.

“Not really. I think I’m fine.”

It was genuine. Woo-jin wasn’t really nervous, not as a concept. Why?

‘It just feels like I’m meeting a Japanese ajumma [middle-aged woman].’

To Kang Woo-jin, Writer Akari was just a writer ajumma living in Japan. Her fans around the world would be having heart attacks in this situation.

‘I’m not really?’

Rather, Woo-jin was more interested in this high-end hotel. It was his first time coming to such an expensive place. Seeing Woo-jin like that, Choi Sung-gun chuckled.

“You’re something else, you’re something else. You should have become a celebrity a long time ago.”

Around that time, the elevator doors opened. It was the floor with the suites, and as Woo-jin and Choi Sung-gun came out into the hallway, several men came out to greet them.

“Hello, we’ve been waiting for you.”

A group of men in suits. They were agency staff, and guided by them, Woo-jin entered the suite. As soon as he saw the interior, Kang Woo-jin almost broke his concept. He barely managed to hold back a gasp.

‘Wow, this is crazy?’

The suite was indeed enormous. It was not only spacious, but everything from the floor to the ceiling, the furniture, it was like a palace. From the center sofa of that palace, Japanese could be heard.

“Have you arrived? This way.”

It was Director Kyotaro, his hair full of gray. And next to him stood a middle-aged woman with glasses perched on the tip of her nose. As soon as Woo-jin saw her, he knew instinctively.

‘That ajumma. No, is that Writer Akari?’

As if to confirm his guess, Choi Sung-gun approached the two and spoke awkward Japanese.

“Hello, I am CEO Choi Sung-gun. It is an honor to meet you both.”

He practiced that. While Kang Woo-jin was muttering to himself, Choi Sung-gun finished shaking hands with the two. For reference, a translator was with Choi Sung-gun. Woo-jin couldn’t convey this conversation one by one.

Then.

-Swish.

Woo-jin greeted Director Kyotaro and Writer Akari. Of course, unlike Choi Sung-gun, his Japanese was quite fluent.

“Hello, I am Kang Woo-jin.”

Director Kyotaro responded with a pleasant smile.

“Welcome. After seeing you in ‘Drug Lord,’ you look unrecognizable today?”

“I heard you came to see me, thank you.”

“What for? I wanted to come. I would have regretted it if I hadn’t.”

At this, Writer Akari, who was looking up at Kang Woo-jin, lit up.

“Nice to meet you, I’m Takikawa Akari.”

Kang Woo-jin greeted her calmly. There was still no nervousness.

“Yes, Writer. It’s nice to meet you for the first time.”

“I was really impressed with your acting.”

Lip service? Then I’ll go too.

“Thank you. I’m also a fan of your work, Writer.”

“Oh my, really? By the way, you speak Japanese so well. You could go straight into filming and it wouldn’t be awkward at all.”

“No, I just speak it moderately.”

So, everyone sat on the sofa and exchanged simple greetings for a while. Meanwhile, the expressionless Kang Woo-jin was drinking the tea provided and was impressed.

‘Oh, it tastes expensive. How much is this?’

Writer Akari was looking across at Kang Woo-jin, trying to understand him. His movements, expressions, way of speaking, etc. It was a habit of hers.

‘Not excessive. Not too dark either. Just the right amount of taciturnity. But that kind of unyielding composure is quite impressive? He’s not drinking tea because he’s nervous. It’s natural.’

Having dealt with so many characters, she had a habit of scanning a person’s tendencies when she met them.

‘If he were a rookie, some level of nervousness would be visible, but there’s no sign of agitation at all. It feels like there’s no gap. This must be a posture he’s developed from the past. He’s the type that’s hard to read.’

At that moment.

-Swish.

Director Kyotaro placed a stack of papers on the table. Of course, it was the script for ‘The Bizarre Sacrifice of a Stranger.’

“Woo-jin-ssi, have you read the entire script?”

Kang Woo-jin, who had put down his teacup, nodded calmly.

“Yes, Director. I have read it.”

“What did you think?”

I can’t say it’s A-grade. So, Woo-jin mixed in some praise and gave his honest review.

“The intricately woven storyline was amazing.”

“Was it?”

“Yes, I read it without realizing how much time had passed. Writer Akari’s thread-like narrative stood out, and the pacing and immersion were great. The adaptation seemed very well done.”

After speaking, Woo-jin praised himself.

‘Good line, yeah. It was perfect.’

It was a prepared line. His experience dealing with clients at the design company had paid off. He had appropriately combined what he felt with the content of the articles. This was social life. This worked well, as Director Kyotaro and Writer Akari looked at each other and smiled.

Among them, Director Kyotaro’s expression suddenly became serious.

“Then, I formally propose. Can you do this project with me?”

Everyone looked at Kang Woo-jin. Even Choi Sung-gun, who had been watching the conversation the whole time. But Woo-jin.

“……”

He just looked at the script on the table and didn’t answer right away. It wasn’t because he was thinking, but because his heart was pounding.

‘Wow, if I answer here, does that mean I’m really making my debut in Japan? For real?’

Just a few months after his debut, he was about to board the bus to a real overseas debut, beyond the domestic scene. The lives of top actors that he had only seen in articles were happening to Kang Woo-jin in reality. The scale of his life was growing bigger than ever.

‘That Japanese director is a huge figure, so he must hang out with successful Japanese actors, right? If I talk to, film with, and become friends with top Japanese actors, I’ll get their numbers, too, right?’

It was like a movie. The life of an influencer. Woo-jin’s life itself was a drama. However, he wasn’t intimidated. Currently, Kang Woo-jin’s reverse gear was broken.

‘It’ll be dynamic, but anyway, it’ll be fun.’

Just straight ahead.

“Director.”

Kang Woo-jin, who slowly raised his head, looked directly at Director Kyotaro and spoke in a low Japanese.

“If you give me the opportunity, I would definitely like to do it.”

Once again, smiles spread across the faces of Director Kyotaro and Writer Akari, and Choi Sung-gun, who had heard the translation, secretly clenched his fist. He thought it was a done deal. At the same time, Director Kyotaro continued.

“Haha, well. I’ve filmed over a dozen movies, but this moment always resonates with me. Woo-jin-ssi, I have high expectations for you.”

“I will do my best.”

“Ah, by the way, ‘The Bizarre Sacrifice of a Stranger’ is scheduled to be released in Korea and Japan. It will be difficult to release it simultaneously, though.”

Choi Sung-gun was slightly surprised inside.

‘So, Director Kyotaro’s work in Korea was to secure a distributor?’

Director Kyotaro, who had opened the script on the table, pushed it towards Kang Woo-jin.

“This is the first casting offer for ‘The Bizarre Sacrifice of a Stranger.’ I would like Woo-jin-ssi to play the role of ‘Kiyoshi.'”

The role of Kiyoshi? Wait a minute. Woo-jin, who had already read the script, tilted his head in confusion.

‘…That’s the lead role? It’s not ambiguous, it’s clearly the lead role?’

Kang Woo-jin, trying to remain calm, asked back.

“If it’s the role of Kiyoshi-”

Director Kyotaro interrupted.

“That’s right. It’s the lead role that will drive the story.”

“……”

Kang Woo-jin was so surprised that his reaction broke down. It seemed like that looked like composure to Writer Akari.

“Were you thinking of a lead role? For reference, the director and I had the same thoughts about the role of Kiyoshi.”

“…No, I hadn’t thought of it.”

“And there will be some setting modifications for the role of ‘Kiyoshi’ to fit Woo-jin-ssi. Adding a Korean touch, or something like that.”

At this point, Choi Sung-gun, who had heard all the translation, opened his mouth without realizing it.

‘What, what??! They’re giving him the lead role??! Crazy!’

Director Kyotaro asked Woo-jin.

“You can take on the role of ‘Kiyoshi,’ right?”

Kang Woo-jin, who had forcibly swallowed his shock, was already equipped with a solid concept.

“No problem.”

After a while.

The meeting with Director Kyotaro ended with a tentative agreement. The practical details were for the companies to sort out. Whatever the case, Kang Woo-jin was confirmed for ‘The Bizarre Sacrifice of a Stranger.’ He was the first actor and the only Korean actor.

Therefore, Kang Woo-jin’s van was a frenzy of excitement.

Choi Sung-gun and Woo-jin’s team were talking non-stop. But Kang Woo-jin just looked out the window. He looked melancholic, but in reality, he was in a daze.

“……”

Then he.

-Swish.

Suddenly, he picked up the script for ‘The Bizarre Sacrifice of a Stranger’ that was lying nearby, and subtly poked the black square next to it.

Kang Woo-jin quickly entered the subspace.

“If I’m the lead in this, what happens?”

He moved quickly and stood in front of the place where the white squares were lined up. Of course, what Kang Woo-jin checked was ‘The Bizarre Sacrifice of a Stranger.’

The interesting thing was.

“Oh?”

As soon as he saw the white square, Woo-jin’s eyes widened slightly. The reason was simple.

-[7/Scenario (Title: The Bizarre Sacrifice of a Stranger), A+ Grade]

The grade that was A had changed to A+.

“It went up?”

The only thing that had changed in this work was Kang Woo-jin’s participation.

“…Did it go up because of me?? Why? It’s a Japanese movie?”

The next day at lunch. Tuesday the 16th, at a design company.

It was a familiar place. It was the design company where Kang Woo-jin used to work. Someone else was sitting in Kang Woo-jin’s seat. And.

“Did you see the third episode of ‘Sports Day’ that Woo-jin appeared in? It was hilarious.”

Several male and female employees with coffee cups in their hands were gathered in the pantry, chatting. The topic was Kang Woo-jin. Of course, they were employees who had been friendly with Woo-jin in the past.

“Oh! Did it come out?? I haven’t seen it yet! I have to watch it at lunch!”

“Yeah, yeah, you have to watch it. Woo-jin-ssi had a lot of screen time this time too.”

“Ah, I haven’t seen it yet, but it already has over 2 million views. Wow, Woo-jin-ssi is really going places.”

“Woo-jin-ssi is amazing right now. He’s also confirmed for the lead role in Director Kwon Ki-taek’s work, right? It’s amazing every time I see it.”

“It’s calmed down a bit now, but when I first saw the article, I was so shocked I almost threw up, for real.”

“Right? Just a few months ago, he was the guy sitting behind me. Ah, but don’t bring that up in front of the Toad CEO. That bastard is in a terrible mood because of Woo-jin-ssi’s success.”

The employees suddenly lowered their voices.

“But, when you watch Woo-jin-ssi on ‘Sports Day,’ isn’t his personality a bit strange?”

“Ah, yeah, I felt that too. It’s like he’s a bit dark? He wasn’t talkative when he worked, but it wasn’t to that extent.”

“Isn’t that just how celebrities are? Image-making.”

“It’s a bit strange when you watch the videos. It feels like his personality has completely changed rather than just image-making. If you look at the comments, there are quite a few people who know Woo-jin-ssi who have appeared? There are quite a few comments saying he’s different.”

At that moment.

“Oh!”

One of the female employees was surprised while looking at her phone.

The reason was simple.

“Wow, it looks like Woo-jin-ssi is going to be on PD Yoon Byung-sun’s variety show!”

『[Exclusive] ‘Variety Show Giant’ Star PD Yoon Byung-sun’s Large-Scale Project Variety Show Confirms ‘Kang Woo-jin’ Joining』

PD Yoon Byung-sun’s booster had begun.

End