I Was Mistaken as a Monstrous Genius Actor-Chapter 363: Chain (12) - Edited
Chapter 363: Chain (12)
Translator: Santos
The outside was a dark night, but the inside of the set, larger than a logistics warehouse, was blindingly bright due to the lights, bustling with over a hundred staff members.
This was the filming location for *The Beneficial Evil*.
Song Man-woo, the PD at the spot with several monitors, was focused.
“······”
He watched Kang Woo-jin, no, ‘Jang Yeon-woo,’ on screen before suddenly shouting.
“Cut!! OOOOK!!”
As his shout ended, dozens of staff members rushed onto the set. Song Man-woo then called out to the team.
“Just one scene left, so let’s hang in there!!”
Today was another grueling day. Both the actors, including Kang Woo-jin, and the more than a hundred staff members were pushing through. Yet, no one complained. After all, PD Song Man-woo had been pulling all-nighters for days, juggling shooting and editing. Sleep had mostly been caught in brief moments while traveling.
Given the situation,
‘Huh— am I slightly sore?’
As fatigue piled up, Kang Woo-jin naturally had to appear more composed than anyone else. He needed to exude an image of “This level of hard work is a piece of cake.” Well, after having utilized the pocket dimension a few times, Woo-jin was certainly capable of enduring it.
- Swish.
As Kang Woo-jin sat in his chair with a nonchalant expression,
“Woo-jin.”
A familiar male voice cut in from the side. It was Choi Seong-geon with his ponytail. After sorting through the tasks he had accumulated, he returned to the set to rejoin Kang Woo-jin. However, it was year-end, making it hard for him to be around all the time like before. Anyway, after handing a water bottle to Woo-jin, Choi Seong-geon spoke softly.
“Director Ahn Gabok called an hour ago. He wants to set up a meeting with you as soon as possible. Have you discussed anything with him?”
Ah, in the chaos, Woo-jin had almost forgotten to mention it. He replied, lowering his voice.
“I heard he’s in LA; he contacted me asking for some time once he returns to Korea.”
Kang Woo-jin briefly explained the content of his conversation with Director Ahn Gabok from a few days ago, including whether he had any Hollywood projects lined up. Listening quietly, Choi Seong-geon stroked his chin.
“Ahn is in LA— and he asked you if you have any Hollywood projects?”
“Yes.”
“Why is he in LA?”
“I didn’t get the details.”
“Hmm... judging by the absence of any articles, it seems he went quietly and secretly.”
Choi Seong-geon’s quick deduction came.
“Maybe he received a directing offer from Hollywood? He lifted the ‘Palme d'Or’ at Cannes, so it’s entirely possible.”
Suddenly grinning, Choi Seong-geon locked eyes with Kang Woo-jin.
“And then he comes to Korea to see you right away. It definitely smells like an opportunity!”
Woo-jin was quite perceptive in that regard. Of course, he had sensed it as well. The breadcrumbs Director Ahn had dropped were quite clear.
“He might bring a script with him.”
“Exactly. That’s what I think too. It’s not 100% certain, but if it’s true, this could be big, right? The two main leads from Cannes connecting directly to Hollywood? If that leads to the Academy Awards... that story could be used to make a movie.”
“Not a bad idea.”
“It’s more than just a good idea, man. Anyway...”
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Choi Seong-geon pulled out his phone, casually mentioning, “I’ll set up a schedule with Director Ahn,” before bringing up another topic.
“Because of *The Beneficial Evil* and year-end matters, I’ve been staying in the country, but the scheduled overseas jobs are piling up. I need to start shuffling around soon, and it would be great to finalize a Hollywood project if possible.”
“Yes, I understand. Please send me the details as they come.”
“Right. Currently, domestic matters feel a bit cumbersome, so I’m definitely focusing on overseas opportunities and filtering those.”
That meant he would need to use the private jet frequently.
**Friday, Day 5.**
The first week of November. Meanwhile, the morning news on a Japanese home TV was buzzing about *The Strange Sacrifice of the Stranger*.
- [“The box office for *The Strange Sacrifice of the Stranger,* based on the work of author Takikawa Akari, is astonishing. It’s been over ten days since its release, yet it still holds the number one pre-sale rate, constantly mentioned in social media and communities. Interestingly, despite growing controversies since its premiere, the audience numbers for *The Strange Sacrifice of the Stranger* are soaring...”]
This news played in the background while a Japanese family had breakfast.
“Is that movie still getting a lot of hate, but people keep watching it?”
“I watched it too, and I thought it was interesting. The ending was a bit shocking, though.”
“What was it like?”
“If I tell you, it’ll ruin the fun. Mom, watch it with Dad. Honestly, it felt fresh. Japanese films usually have the same kind of feel.”
“A Korean actor is the lead, right? Kang Woo-jin? Is he awkward?”
“Not at all. Mom, didn’t you know Kang Woo-jin won Best Actor at this year’s Cannes Film Festival? *The Strange Sacrifice of the Stranger* has top actors like Mana Kosaku, but Kang Woo-jin acted the best.”
Although it had already been 11 days since *The Strange Sacrifice of the Stranger* was released, the flames of interest were not dwindling. Rather, the aftermath had grown so huge that it sparked conversations even in homes. It was a frenzy bordering on a syndrome. The news, along with various media and articles, reported *The Strange Sacrifice of the Stranger*’s real-time power without fail every single day.
‘Unstoppable momentum: *The Strange Sacrifice of the Stranger* retains number one in pre-sales for 11 days straight!’
‘If it continues at this pace, it’s certain to hit ten million viewers, and even more is possible!’
‘The controversies and complaints are only growing, yet the success of *The Strange Sacrifice of the Stranger* keeps rising. Film critics call it “an outrageous and absurd situation.”’
It was no surprise that it adorned the main page of famous Japanese portal sites, and *The Strange Sacrifice of the Stranger* was covered extensively on YouTube and social media. In layman's terms, its view count was shooting up rapidly. This was evidence of the public's concentrated interest. Interestingly, the comments on YouTube videos reviewing *The Strange Sacrifice of the Stranger*, the film review sites, and social media were filled with questions.
- Why is this movie still doing so well???
- Honestly... maybe people were drawn in by the buzz for three days, but... it’s been ten days and still... I don’t get it....
- Stop complaining and just admit it! People aren’t idiots! They watch it because it’s interesting!
- Sure, *The Strange Sacrifice of the Stranger* is enjoyable, but as someone who liked the original, I still feel betrayed.
- Why do people keep watching it when the ending is like that?
- Shut up about the ending already, can’t you think outside the box?
- Yeah, the reason Japanese content is failing is because of people like you.
- This movie shouldn’t succeed! It sets a bad precedent!
- It’s already succeeded!
- You’re all idiots!
Despite the overflow of criticisms for *The Strange Sacrifice of the Stranger*, its momentum did not falter at all. Judging by the atmosphere or the numerous speculations from the press, it should have collapsed by now, but strangely enough, *The Strange Sacrifice of the Stranger* was transforming into a monstrous success as days went by. At this point, even the subways packed with commuters had their phones filled with *The Strange Sacrifice of the Stranger*.
In other words,
‘Thanks to *The Strange Sacrifice of the Stranger*, theaters are thriving, overflowing with audiences every weekend.’
More and more Japanese audiences were expected to flock to theaters. This situation was easily confirmed in Korea as well, and Kang Woo-jin, riding in a van, was desperately trying to suppress his growing smile.
‘This momentum is insane. Haha, let it burn bright! SSS-tier power!’
However, his smile wasn’t solely due to *The Strange Sacrifice of the Stranger*. It also included the film *Symbiotic Leech*, which was shaking up the Korean film industry. The difference with Japan was that *Symbiotic Leech* was achieving incredible box office success without any controversies.
- [*Movie Talk*] ‘Symbiotic Leech’ surpasses ten days since release, still holding the box office number one against new releases!’
- ‘Ten days into its release, *Symbiotic Leech* is still racing in the box office, even faster than *The Island of the Missing*!’
The explosive issues from the Cannes Film Festival had instilled great expectations among the public, and *Symbiotic Leech* did not betray those expectations, causing word of mouth to spread rapidly.
- A nuclear bomb dropped by Ahn Gabok at Cannes: A 10-minute summary of *Symbiotic Leech*!｜*Movie Picky*
- “Kang Woo-jin’s incredible acting!!! A review of the blockbuster *Symbiotic Leech*!! (Contains spoilers)｜*Monster Watching Movies*
-
[*Symbiotic Leech*] Analysis, spine-chilling foreshadowing & details summary! There’s a reason it’s successful｜*Issue Swallower*
Both *The Strange Sacrifice of the Stranger* in Japan and *Symbiotic Leech* in Korea seemed to be on an unstoppable path to success. While putting on a tough front, Kang Woo-jin couldn’t help but smile at the situation. But more than anything, what truly made him want to dance inside was the current performance of the two films.
Despite having seen it several times, the figures were still exhilarating.
‘*The Strange Sacrifice of the Stranger* surpassed 9.45 million as of yesterday, and with today, it’s certain to reach 10 million.’
*The Strange Sacrifice of the Stranger* had achieved an incredible audience count of 9.45 million, excluding today, up until the 10th.
‘*The Strange Sacrifice of the Stranger* definitely confirmed 10 million viewers; the public is highly interested in the final performance!’
The figures for the 11th day since release had not been announced yet, but considering the pre-sales, it was already certain to exceed 10 million.
*The Strange Sacrifice of the Stranger* was effortlessly surpassing or standing shoulder to shoulder with Japan’s historical film performances. It was noteworthy that most of those historical films were animations. It could be said that *The Strange Sacrifice of the Stranger* was the first to achieve such explosive performance.
‘Alright— next up is *Symbiotic Leech*.’
Woo-jin maintained his concept while tapping his phone a few times. The screen quickly changed.
[Viewer Count as of November 4, 2021]
[Daily Domestic Box Office]
1. *Symbiotic Leech* / Release Date: October 27 / Viewer Count: 711,055 / Screen Count: 1,354 / Cumulative Viewer Count: 8,358,754
*Symbiotic Leech* had 8.3 million viewers. It looked slightly lower than *The Strange Sacrifice of the Stranger*, but considering it had released a day later, it was quite similar. Already surpassing 8.3 million, *Symbiotic Leech* was just a weekend away, with Friday today included. At this rate, it could achieve 10 million by Saturday, exactly the 11th day since its release.
For reference, if it continued at this pace, *Symbiotic Leech* would reach 10 million faster than *The Island of the Missing*.
‘*Symbiotic Leech* is faster than *The Island of the Missing,* which hit 10 million on the 12th day!’
‘*The Island of the Missing* reached 10 million viewers on its 12th day, but a faster *Symbiotic Leech* is likely to achieve it by the 11th day!’
‘Could the rankings of Korean films change again? If it continues like this, both the first and second places will belong to Kang Woo-jin’s movies!’
It was only a day’s difference.
The next day, early Saturday morning. BW Entertainment.
Around 8 AM. In the underground parking lot of BW Entertainment, which was preparing to relocate its headquarters due to the recent confirmation of an overseas branch. Even though it was early, there were quite a few cars in the parking lot. Just then, an old man got out of a gray van that had just stopped.
- Swish.
Dressed in lightweight padding for the chilly weather, with short white hair and a face lined with wrinkles, it was Director Ahn Gabok.
His unique, calm expression befitting his age was present, and in one hand, he held two thick stacks of papers. As Director Ahn Gabok stepped out of the van, three people approached him. They were representatives from his agency and a few others, the same people who accompanied him to LA.
“Let’s go.”
The lead figure, Director Ahn Gabok, quietly moved toward the elevator. At this moment, he felt both excitement and worry.
‘Heh, this feels like checking my report card before it’s handed in.’
It was an unusual feeling for someone regarded as a legend in the Korean film industry. However, Director Ahn Gabok did not find the current mood unpleasant. No, everything that stemmed from the Cannes Film Festival felt like a refreshing rain soaking into the parched, cracked earth.
At that moment.
- Ding!
The arriving elevator doors opened, and shortly after, Director Ahn Gabok stepped into BW Entertainment. The office adorned with posters of BW Entertainment’s top talents, including Kang Woo-jin, Hong Hye-yeon, and Ryu Jung-min, was quiet. It was still before work hours, so there were no employees around.
Soon,
“Oh! Director!”
A man’s shout echoed in the quiet office. It was Choi Seong-geon, who had been in the representative's office. He peeked out and immediately rushed toward Director Ahn Gabok upon spotting him.
“If you had called, I would’ve been waiting for you!”
Director Ahn Gabok shook hands with Choi Seong-geon, his smile revealing wrinkles.
“Was there any need for that? We just needed to meet, right?”
“Sorry about that.”
“Not at all. By the way, where’s Woo-jin?”
“Ah, he’s inside.”
Choi Seong-geon pointed toward the representative office where he had just come from, and Director Ahn Gabok slowly nodded to those who had accompanied him to wait a moment. Then, Choi Seong-geon and Director Ahn Gabok entered the representative office side by side. Kang Woo-jin was already standing.
“Director, how are you?”
With a low-toned voice. Kang Woo-jin appeared completely natural as he hadn’t gone to the salon yet. However, to Director Ahn Gabok, even his current state exuded an aura.
‘Indeed, he has grown heavier since Cannes.’
Director Ahn Gabok extended his hand to Kang Woo-jin.
“I’m sorry to trouble you this early in the morning when you must be busy.”
“It’s alright.”
Kang Woo-jin and Director Ahn Gabok exchanged simple greetings and sat facing each other. Choi Seong-geon took a seat beside Woo-jin. At the same time, Director Ahn Gabok placed the two stacks of papers on the desk. Without beating around the bush, he spoke directly to Kang Woo-jin.
“First, take a look at this. One is in English, and the other is in Korean. You can choose whichever you find comfortable.”
Director Ahn Gabok pushed the two stacks of papers toward Kang Woo-jin across the desk. As Kang Woo-jin casually looked down at the stacks, he replied.
“Understood.”
As expected, Kang Woo-jin picked up the English version, and for a moment, Director Ahn Gabok’s gaze shifted to Choi Seong-geon beside him. Excitement and anticipation filled his eyes.
And then.
- Flap.
As the pages turned, Director Ahn Gabok shifted his gaze back to Kang Woo-jin. Kang Woo-jin read the papers with a calm demeanor. Of course, Director Ahn Gabok remained silent.
‘Now is the time to wait. I need to give him enough time.’
Kang Woo-jin flipped through the pages once more.
- Flap.
Then,
“Director.”
It hadn’t even been a few minutes, but Kang Woo-jin suddenly responded to Director Ahn Gabok. His tone was significantly low.
“I’ll take this project.”
