I was Mistaken as a Monstrous Genius Actor [EN]: Chapter 94

Choi Sung-geon was silent for a moment at Kang Woo-jin’s sudden declaration. The content was quite shocking. Seo Chae-eun this and that? Under normal circumstances, he might have dismissed it as nonsense, but the person was none other than Kang Woo-jin.

A unique individual with a crazy sense, comparable to a divine revelation. That feeling is triggered regardless of the work or the person.

‘What is this? It doesn’t seem like a joke?’

Choi Sung-geon, his eyes slightly widened, stared at Woo-jin and asked again.

“You’re saying you have a similar feeling from Seo Chae-eun… like with Director Woo Hyun-gu?”

Woo-jin took his concept to the extreme. He put sincerity into his expression and atmosphere.

‘I didn’t know I could use a misunderstanding.’

A misunderstanding based on the ability of the subspace. However, there is no other way right now.

“Yes. It’s almost identical to that time.”

The height of shamelessness. A mask as hard as a diamond.

Choi Sung-geon had seen Kang Woo-jin’s expression before. Of course, it was during the time with Director Woo Hyun-gu. An atmosphere of unwavering resolve, without a gap and almost dizzying.

‘He’s serious.’

On the other hand, Woo-jin, with his indifferent face, was endlessly chanting in his mind.

‘Believe it, believe it.’

Whether it worked or not, Choi Sung-geon, who had become serious, asked again while untying his ponytail.

“How about Seo Chae-eun? In what way?”

I don’t know, that’s the thing. Currently, Kang Woo-jin has no way of knowing what’s wrong with Seo Chae-eun. So, he had no choice but to push forward calmly and firmly.

“It’s hard to explain in words.”

“······Since when?”

“Since the first time I met that sunbaenim [senior colleague].”

“But why are you telling me now?”

“I was deliberating; it’s different from Director Woo Hyun-gu’s situation.”

That was certainly true. Unlike then, Kang Woo-jin is currently the lead in ‘Island of the Lost.’ Frankly, it didn’t make sense to dismiss an actor based on a feeling.

However, Choi Sung-geon.

‘Hmm—is it worth checking?’

He already had unwavering faith in Kang Woo-jin’s strange sense. The results had proven it. Director Woo Hyun-gu and ‘Errand Agency’ were examples. Of course, even this ‘Male Friend’ situation. Well, if you think about it, ‘Male Friend’ was a coincidence. Kang Woo-jin didn’t know that the scale would grow and that Hwa-rin would join.

Whatever the case, it ultimately increased the credibility of Kang Woo-jin’s animalistic sense.

Then.

-Swish.

Choi Sung-geon, who had taken out his phone, suddenly smiled wryly.

“If it’s you, Woo-jin, it’s hard to ignore. Are you sure? That your feeling was triggered by Seo Chae-eun.”

If he answered here, the delusion that had taken over Kang Woo-jin would obviously deepen. So what? Saving ‘Island of the Lost’ is a hundred times better.

‘Anyway, I can’t undo the concept or the delusion or whatever. I just have to leave it as it is.’

Kang Woo-jin, who had neatly ignored his worries, nodded solemnly.

“Yes, that’s right.”

“Okay. For now, don’t worry about it and just focus on your schedule. I’ll take care of Seo Chae-eun.”

So cool. Woo-jin inwardly applauded Choi Sung-geon’s coolness. Choi Sung-geon, unaware of this, looked down at his phone and muttered.

“I should start by checking the gossip first. What about the other kids besides Seo Chae-eun?”

“No. Only Seo Chae-eun sunbaenim.”

“Is that a relief? Sigh—if Seo Chae-eun has a problem······”

Choi Sung-geon swallowed his words. The conclusion wasn’t good. But if Kang Woo-jin’s feeling was right this time too.

‘The ‘Island of the Lost’ and Director Kwon Ki-taek should bow to him ten or a hundred times.’

He was a benefactor. If it weren’t for Woo-jin, ‘Island of the Lost’ might have collapsed while carrying the bomb that was Seo Chae-eun. Then, Choi Sung-geon, while operating his phone, muttered to himself.

“If we’re going to get rid of her, now is the perfect time since she’s a freelancer. Seo Chae-eun hasn’t even been revealed to the press yet. Then we need to hurry-”

Watching such a CEO, Kang Woo-jin felt relieved inside.

‘Is it settled for now? Now all I have to do is wait.’

At the same time, at Eoullim Film Company.

Eoullim, the film company producing ‘Island of the Lost.’ It was night, so all the film company employees had gone home, but for some reason, only the largest conference room had its lights on.

Inside were two people. A man and a woman.

The man sitting in the middle of the large U-shaped table was familiar. Gray hair and a gentle impression. It was none other than the master director Kwon Ki-taek.

On the other hand.

“Director, it feels like it’s been a really long time.”

The woman with her legs crossed across from Director Kwon Ki-taek seemed very relaxed. Long hair with waves at the ends and clear skin. More than anything, her eyes were very large. Her eye smile was also charming.

An aura that was clearly extraordinary.

Of course.

“Yes. Let’s see—Yura, the last time I saw you was about two years ago? I was surprised that you were suddenly in Korea. When did you come from Hollywood?”

She was Ha Yu-ra, a top actress who had also advanced into Hollywood.

“Two days ago. I came to see the director as soon as I arrived.”

“So quietly? How did the Hollywood auditions go?”

“I came in secretly; the auditions are still ongoing.”

The starting point for her advancement into Hollywood was a few years ago. It was at the Venice Film Festival, one of the world’s three major international film festivals. Director Kwon Ki-taek’s work was invited and won an award. The female lead of that movie was Ha Yu-ra.

That’s where she caught the eye of a Hollywood official.

It wasn’t a big role. Supporting or minor roles. However, it was unprecedented for a Korean actor to get a supporting or minor role in a Hollywood movie. Therefore, when she advanced into Hollywood, the domestic scene was turned upside down. But unfortunately, the work itself was lackluster.

That was already over a year ago.

It has calmed down a bit now. Still, Ha Yu-ra is still knocking on Hollywood’s door.

Anyway.

-Swish.

Ha Yu-ra changed the direction of her crossed legs and.

“But director.”

She suddenly asked Director Kwon Ki-taek.

“I heard you cast a complete rookie as the lead in your next project?”

Here, there was only one complete rookie in ‘Island of the Lost.’ Therefore, Director Kwon Ki-taek smiled kindly.

“You must be talking about our Woo-jin.”

“······Our?”

“Yes, our. He’s my actor in my work, so of course he’s ours.”

“You haven’t changed. Your love for your actors.”

“Haha. You were like that too, weren’t you?”

Ha Yu-ra shrugged her shoulders.

“Well, anyway, I was a bit surprised. Even so, I didn’t think you would cast an unverified rookie as the lead. It’s an achievement that will go down in the history of the film industry, isn’t it?”

“An achievement? If I want, I can go with a rookie or an unknown.”

Director Kwon Ki-taek’s gaze was firm even though he spoke softly, and Ha Yu-ra, who let out a small breath, continued.

“But is it true? I’ve been watching since the articles about your work came out, and there were rumors that the rookie named Kang Woo-jin was a relative or that his agency had paid money.”

“Do you even look for that kind of thing in Hollywood?”

“I looked because it was news about you, director! Even Kang Woo-jin’s news broke first, very big. Then it was Ryu Jung-min. So? Is it true about the relative or paying money?”

Director Kwon Ki-taek, tilting his head leisurely.

“What do you think?”

Ha Yu-ra, whose eyes changed to ‘What are you asking, of course it’s not,’ spat out the conclusion.

“It must have been such a shocking casting that such ridiculous gossip spread. Is that rookie really that good at acting?”

Director Kwon Ki-taek, who had been tapping the table with his index finger, raised his finger and pointed at Ha Yu-ra.

“Broadly speaking, his style is similar to yours, Yura. Method acting.”

At that moment, Ha Yu-ra’s brow twitched. Regardless, Director Kwon Ki-taek continued.

“However, you, Yura, have taken the elite course as an actress. A child actor who has been trained in acting since childhood. Your mother is also a great actress. A thoroughly trained type. Right?”

“······”

“But Kang Woo-jin is different. The complete opposite of you. It’s like, how should I put it, a type that grew up roughly on their own, picking grass in the wild. The acting style is similar, but the texture is 180 degrees different.”

“Wild?”

“Yes. I mean he grew up self-sufficiently. He also knows he has talent, but the funny thing is that he doesn’t seem to be risking his life for it. It’s like he’s doing acting as a hobby, but he’s currently smashing the acting scene.”

“What is that?”

“Well. I don’t know either. He’s a friend I can’t figure out. That’s why I see more rarity in him.”

Ha Yu-ra, who didn’t seem to understand the explanation at all, let out a hollow laugh.

“Ha, education is essential for an actor. Experience is the core of an actor, and we get education because we lack that experience. He’ll eventually collapse due to his lack of it, won’t he?”

It wasn’t wrong. Clearly, there were countless rookies in the domestic acting scene who collapsed due to a lack of experience or education. But for some reason, Kang Woo-jin, whom Director Kwon Ki-taek was thinking of, didn’t have that image at all.

“······I’m not exactly ignoring education. In fact, over 90% of domestic actors are educated. I like your acting too, Yura. But Kang Woo-jin’s acting is something-”

Director Kwon Ki-taek, who had been trailing off, stroked his chin and gave an answer.

“Yes, it’s like he smells like he’s lived the life of the character he’s playing. It’s method, but it’s not method. It doesn’t feel like an actor for the role, but rather that the role exists for the actor.”

A great compliment from a top-tier master director in Korea. Here, Ha Yu-ra bit her lip slightly.

“I’ve been looking him up because he’s been so noisy. I also watched the short film ‘Errand Agency.’ He’s good at acting.”

She spoke calmly, but her voice was mixed with various emotions. Jealousy, envy, spite, envy, etc. As if she was afraid of being caught, Ha Yu-ra changed the subject.

“Who has been cast? According to the articles, there are only Kang Woo-jin and Ryu Jung-min so far. As you know, I’ll never talk about it anywhere.”

“Hmm, well, we’ll announce it soon. Kang Woo-jin, Ryu Jung-min, Seo Chae-eun, Jeon Woo-chang, Kim Yi-won. These are the main cast.”

“The lineup is good. Except for Seo Chae-eun.”

Director Kwon Ki-taek, who had his arms crossed, chuckled.

“Chae-eun is also good at acting.”

Ha Yu-ra, getting worked up.

“What’s the point if she’s only good at acting! Her personality is terrible.”

“I only care about acting.”

“Yes, yes, I know. You only look at acting.”

“Of course, it’s a judgment based on everything. I didn’t think she would harm my movie. Her acting form was also decent.”

“I guess so. That’s why you cast a complete rookie and Seo Chae-eun.”

Director Kwon Ki-taek softly asked Ha Yu-ra, who was whining.

“What are you trying to say? Don’t beat around the bush and just say it.”

Ha Yu-ra, who immediately got up from her seat, shouted her true feelings.

“Ah! You’re too much, really! You didn’t send me the script! I was waiting so much!”

“You were in Hollywood, weren’t you?”

“I thought you would still send it, but I couldn’t ask because I was afraid you would think it was weird!”

“Are you throwing a tantrum? You’ve only gotten older, Yura, but you’re still the same as when I first saw you at 20. Still a child.”

Ha Yu-ra, whose excitement had subsided in an instant, bowed her head to Director Kwon Ki-taek.

“······I’m sorry, I’ve been restless, but just now, hearing about Seo Chae-eun, I felt like I received a death sentence.”

“Don’t exaggerate.”

“Yes. I exaggerated a bit.”

At this time.

-Swish,

Director Kwon Ki-taek quietly pushed a bundle of papers in front of Ha Yu-ra. Of course, it was the ‘Island of the Lost’ script.

“Read it.”

“······I should have come to Korea sooner. Then you would have cast me instead of someone like Seo Chae-eun.”

“How long are you planning to stay in Korea?”

“At least half a year, depending on whether I get accepted for the Hollywood auditions or not. I’m going to take a break while I’m here.”

“Are you thinking of a cameo appearance?”

Ha Yu-ra, whose large eyes suddenly sparkled, rushed in.

“If you make it, unconditionally. I’ll do anything.”

Friday, the 26th. Late morning.

The ‘Maxnald’ headquarters. The front of the rather large headquarters was crowded with people. Many people were slowly entering, following the fence lines that had been set up. They were entering the ‘Event Hall’ on the first floor of the headquarters.

In front of the hall.

“Yes, it’s confirmed, you can go inside.”

They were checking each of the gathered people one by one. And banners and standees also caught the eye. These words were written on them.

-Kang Woo-jin Fan Signing Event/Maxnald Sponsorship

That’s right. A fan signing event for the monster rookie Kang Woo-jin was about to be held here. The number of fans gathered, including those inside the hall and those waiting outside, was roughly 400. In addition, including the invited reporters, there were quite a few members of the BW Entertainment PR team and ‘Maxnald’ employees inside the hall.

As it was a fan signing event that included promotion, the ‘Maxnald’ logo was placed everywhere, and a large poster of Kang Woo-jin on the front stage of the hall also caught the eye.

Around this time, Kang Woo-jin was.

“······”

He was sitting alone silently in the waiting room at the back of the hall. He had been to the salon, so he had full makeup and his hair was neatly styled up. His outfit was a shirt and slacks, giving off a dandy feel. At first glance, he looked cynical with his handsome face, but.

‘What am I doing right now?’

He was a hundred times nervous. His thoughts were also a bit jumbled. It was his first time doing a fan signing event, and the number of people was close to 400.

‘Is this real?’

Just a few months ago, Kang Woo-jin had only a dozen or so friends and colleagues around him. But 400 people? Did 400 people really come all the way here just for my autograph?

It was natural that his sense of reality was dulled.

How should I treat them? I heard that they hug and take pictures. Handshakes are a given. Should I have a conversation too? Should I ask why they came here? While his heart was pounding more and more.

-Knock knock.

A knock echoed on the glass door of the waiting room. The one who opened the door was Han Ye-jeong with her yellow bobbed hair.

“Oppa, they said it’s starting.”

It had come.

“Okay.”

Kang Woo-jin tried to ignore his vague trembling and followed Han Ye-jeong. Soon, the noisy sounds grew louder in Woo-jin’s ears. At this time, Han Ye-jeong said one thing.

“They said the start is with the fans from Oppa’s fan club ‘Strong Heart’.”

But Woo-jin didn’t really hear it. And so, Kang Woo-jin entered the event hall. The screams that immediately followed.

“Oppa! Oppa!!”

“Please look this way!”

“Wow—his real appearance is crazy!”

A barrage of flashes.

-Flash flash flash!

But Kang Woo-jin was just barely managing to maintain his concept. Fortunately, a few staff members guided Woo-jin. Kang Woo-jin greeted everyone from the center of the stage where his poster was hanging.

“Hello, I’m Kang Woo-jin.”

The screams and flashes intensified. After about a few minutes, Woo-jin sat down at the desk on the stage, following the staff’s guidance. There were thick pens and a pile of papers with something that looked like his face printed on them.

‘Ha—I’m supposed to sign here and give it to the fans? It’s a bit embarrassing.’

At this time, the voice of the event staff was heard.

“Woo-jin-ssi, you’ve arrived.”

The first guest of the fan signing event had arrived.

“The general manager of the ‘Strong Heart’ fan club, and her nickname is ‘Blood Relative Woman’?”

It was then that Kang Woo-jin raised his gaze from the desk. ‘Blood Relative Woman’ was smiling.

“Hello, my dear brother.”

“······”

However, Kang Woo-jin’s movements stopped. He just stared at her face. Due to the strangeness, Jang Su-hwan, Han Ye-jeong, and the BW Entertainment PR team behind Kang Woo-jin tilted their heads. Of course, so did Choi Sung-geon. Then, ‘Blood Relative Woman’s’ smile deepened.

“I’m ‘Blood Relative Woman.’ I’m the representative of Oppa’s fan club.”

Kang Woo-jin, whose cynicism had become excessive, immediately cursed. Of course, in his mind.

‘This bastard.’

The ‘Blood Relative Woman’ in front of him was a real blood relative. That is, Kang Woo-jin’s younger sister, Kang Hyun-ah.

‘Crazy! That ‘Blood Relative Woman’ was literally a ‘Blood Relative Woman’?’

End