I Was Mistaken as a Monstrous Genius Actor-Chapter 366: Prestige (3) - Edited

Chapter 366: Prestige (3)

Translator: Santos

“Walt Disney Pictures.” It was such a well-known distribution and film company in Hollywood that it was hard to find someone who didn’t recognize it. It boasted a long history and was one of the “Big Five” of Hollywood. As everyone knows, it excels in animated films, but for some time now, it has begun to create live-action adaptations.

The success of these live-action films was enormous, not only in Korea but worldwide, largely due to the popularity of *The Phantom*.

Of course, “Walt Disney Pictures” didn’t only produce live-action films. They also made and distributed regular films, with hits so numerous they could hardly all be listed.

Given its massive size, it was common for them to produce multiple films simultaneously.

In one of the conference rooms at “Walt Disney Pictures,” they were evaluating Kang Woo-jin.

“How many candidates will there be if Kang Woo-jin makes it onto the casting board?”

“Six. However, only three actors can do both ‘vocals’ and ‘piano’ like Kang Woo-jin.”

In the conference room, ‘vocals’ and ‘piano’ were frequently mentioned.

“It seems Kang Woo-jin has the best piano skills.”

The reason was simple.

The films produced by the mega studio “Walt Disney Pictures” require the actors to have vocal talents. Whether adapting animated films or just making movies, many songs are included in the productions.

It could be said that this was a signature of “Walt Disney Pictures.”

Naturally, the film soundtracks that they produced and that took the world by storm were plentiful. Many Disney fans even say, “We watch *Walt Disney Pictures* movies for the OST.” Therefore, it made sense for “Walt Disney Pictures” to test the vocal or musical abilities of their actors before casting.

And then.

“We should contact Kang Woo-jin as soon as possible.”

Woo-jin’s name had come up at “Walt Disney Pictures.”

However, it wasn’t just “Walt Disney Pictures” mentioning Kang Woo-jin’s name in LA. At the same time, several other film companies in LA were eyeing him as well. It was due to the recognition he had built up steadily over time.

“Kang Woo-jin ran a restaurant in LA?”

“No, he didn’t run it himself. He filmed a TV show related to it in Korea.”

“Was he the chef on that TV show?”

“Yes. His cooking skills were so outstanding that the guests didn’t even realize he was an actor. I included that information in the materials we distributed.”

“Hm—what’s this? A local chef praised Kang Woo-jin highly.”

That recognition exploded along with Miley Cara and the Cannes Film Festival. The fact that Woo-jin had delivered an impactful acceptance speech during the *No Backing Down* awards contributed to it. It was only natural for Hollywood to take an interest in him.

“...He’s actually developing recipes and selling products in Korea and Japan?”

“Yes.”

“What? Did he cook before becoming an actor?”

“Not exactly, but with skills like that, it’s possible. However, there are many videos of him on YouTube related to vocals as well. Cooking might have just been a hobby.”

“Ha—are you telling me that cooking at a chef’s level was just a hobby? What kind of actor is this guy?”

A global misunderstanding. The confusion was at the level of a world star.

Nevertheless, one thing was clear: Kang Woo-jin possessed various talents.

“...Whatever it is, it’s certain he has the cooking skills our film needs. We must get in touch with him.”

He was indeed demonstrating his capabilities in Hollywood.

---

Later.

Monday had ended, and Tuesday the 9th had begun. That morning, before filming for *The Beneficial Evil*, Kang Woo-jin was having a meeting regarding his ‘Kang Woo-jin alter ego.’

“It’s almost the end of the year, and if Woo-jin is going to be abroad more often next year, we’ll need to save some footage,” said the representative.

“Phew, I’ll try to work that out. I’ll see if I can break down the schedule a bit more. Are you okay with that, Woo-jin?”

“I don’t mind.”

“Well, you’re fine, but... still, if you feel any issues with your health, just let me know right away.”

“Yes, sir.”

“And since we’re talking about overseas, I think it would be good for the ‘Kang Woo-jin alter ego’ team to set up a workshop in LA.”

“Eh, LA??”

The domestic film industry was still enjoying an unprecedented boom. Viewership numbers had exceeded double the usual amounts. Just a few days prior, every theater was packed over the weekend.

*“[Music Video IS] The theaters are buzzing due to the hit ‘Symbiotic Leech’ and new releases swarming in the weekend crowd.”*

*“‘Symbiotic Leech’ continues its unending sold-out runs, maintaining its position as the top pre-sale.”*

The main reason for this was the box office phenomenon of *Symbiotic Leech*, but the new films released that week contributed as well.

*“[Movie Talk] ‘Symbiotic Leech’ better watch out! Will the upcoming new releases be able to stop the bulldozer that is ‘Symbiotic Leech’?”*

The excitement was explosive, prompting the media to report live from the theaters. It felt appropriate to say the theaters were overflowing. Meanwhile, *Symbiotic Leech* firmly held onto its position as the number one pre-sale, and audiences who had visited the theaters were chattering excitedly about their experiences.

- Why is *Symbiotic Leech* fun even after watching it twice??

- What’s chilling is that every time I watch, Kang Woo-jin’s acting feels different.

- LOL, *Symbiotic Leech* is going to exceed 20 million, I swear.

- I’ve seen it three times.

- Hey, stop it, LOL, that’s boring as hell.

- If *Symbiotic Leech* exceeds 20 million, it’ll be both Kang Woo-jin’s films at the top two in Korean box office history, LOL, isn’t that ridiculous?

- But why hasn’t Kang Woo-jin gone to Hollywood???

- Does Hollywood look like a bunch of idiots who just go if they want to, LOL?

- He might already be negotiating since he won the Best Actor award at Cannes.

·

·

·

This same situation was occurring in Japan. No, given Japan’s larger population, it was even louder there. The film *Strange Parasite* was also maintaining its position as the top pre-sale alongside *Symbiotic Leech*. However, the overall atmosphere remained quite different.

Still, gradual changes were occurring in Japan.

*“The audience for ‘Strange Parasite’ is endlessly increasing, and the previously critical public opinion is shifting.”*

Initially, there had been complaints, anger, and escalating controversies, but now there were increasing voices in the media or public acknowledging *Strange Parasite*. The public had become most notable as they could no longer endure the insults and controversies directed at *Strange Parasite*.

The various Japanese media felt the same.

“While it may seem that *Strange Parasite* has a divided reception of praise and criticism, that’s an illusion.”

“An illusion?”

“Yes. Those criticizing *Strange Parasite* are a minority. This is part of the common misconception in media and public opinion. Of course, they are not a small number, but in the grand scheme, they are only a part. And they cannot accept the change.”

“Are you saying they are lagging behind?”

“No, they are fearful. In contrast, the public excluding them is acknowledging *Strange Parasite*. The rapidly increasing audience numbers for *Strange Parasite* prove that.”

“Hmm—”

“And the continued rise of *Strange Parasite* indicates that most of the public have grown tired of Japan’s typical content.”

Movie critics and directors appearing in news and entertainment shows explained *Strange Parasite*’s unexpected explosive popularity.

“Of course, the public was surprised. But they are already tired of Japan’s repetitive and dull content, so they are cheering for *Strange Parasite*. Director Tanoguchi Kyo-taro cleverly hit on that point. It seems to be quite intentional.”

“So you believe *Strange Parasite* will continue to be a box office success?”

“Of course. This trend will only intensify. Regardless of how it concludes, the Japanese content market will change significantly around *Strange Parasite*.”

Two days passed like that. Thursday the 11th.

The enthusiasm of the audience flocking to theaters had slightly diminished from the explosive start. However, it was a natural phenomenon. New films continued to be released, and there weren’t many viewers who would go back to see the same film again.

But there was no need for concern. The theaters were still buzzing with activity reminiscent of peak seasons.

Around this time, many familiar figures gathered at the Japanese production company “Toei,” which was responsible for *Strange Parasite*.

In addition to writer Akari and director Kyo-taro, many others were present.

Everyone had expressions that seemed to be waiting for some outcome. Their eyes were filled with tension and anticipation. This was true for everyone associated with *Strange Parasite*, even beyond director Hideki.

At that moment, a shout echoed throughout the “Toei” studio.

“Director!! The results are out!!”

Everyone stared intently at the large TV screen. The imposing figures for *Strange Parasite* were being displayed.

-[As of November 10, 2021, the audience count for *Strange Parasite*]

-[*Strange Parasite*

/ Release date: October 26 / Cumulative audience count: 15,928,755]

In its third week, it had surpassed 15 million. In fact, it could easily be said to have reached 16 million.

Meanwhile.

Around late morning in Korea, another film company was bustling. It was “Harmony Pictures,” the company behind the current number one film in Korea, *Island of the Missing*. The representatives of the film company, along with several executives and well-known directors, were present.

“Hmm—”

It was director Kwon Gi-taek, known for his warm demeanor. Perhaps due to the break period, he had put on a bit of weight. In any case, all the key figures from *Island of the Missing* had gathered. Director Kwon Gi-taek and the others were each looking at their tablets, with a movie’s results being displayed on the screen.

Not *Island of the Missing* but *Symbiotic Leech*.

[Audience count update as of November 10, 2021]

[Daily domestic box office]

1. *Symbiotic Leech* / Release date: October 27 / Screen count: 1354 / Cumulative audience count: 15,016,082

*Symbiotic Leech* had also surpassed 15 million viewers.

The expressions of those gathered at “Harmony Pictures” grew dark. It was only natural. Although *Island of the Missing* still held the title of Korea’s all-time box office champion, a crisis was looming shortly after its record-breaking success.

“...*Symbiotic Leech* is moving faster than *Island of the Missing*.”

“I expected it to have power, but not this quickly.”

“If *Symbiotic Leech* maintains its momentum, the rankings for all-time films will change soon.”

“It feels strange. I acknowledge *Symbiotic Leech*, but I didn’t expect a crisis to come this fast.”

As the representative and executives of “Harmony Pictures” spoke with a mix of anxiety, everyone’s tablets displayed updated information.

Soft sighs escaped from various corners.

[All-time box office in Korea]

[All-time film rankings (combined)]

- 1. *Island of the Missing* / Cumulative audience count: 20,321,451

- 2. *Naval Battle* / Cumulative audience count: 16,715,955

- 3. *Inevitability* / Cumulative audience count: 15,557,118

- 4. *Symbiotic Leech* / Cumulative audience count: 15,016,082

·

·

·

The frenzied pace of *Symbiotic Leech* was now at their heels.

At the same time. In a hotel in Seoul.

Hundreds of reporters had gathered in front of a famous hotel. In front of them, vans and luxury sedans lined up and came to a stop. Various celebrities got out of the cars, including entertainers and other celebs. The reason was simple.

A year-end party for an overseas luxury brand was soon to be held at this hotel.

The invited celebrities waved casually at the reporters before posing for photos at the photo zone set up next to the hotel entrance.

- Snap, snap, snap!

Intense flashes erupted.

At that moment.

- Thud!

A man stepped out of a recently stopped black van, his black hair slicked back, dressed in a navy suit from a luxury brand, and wearing an indifferent expression. As soon as the reporters saw him, they shouted.

Updated from freewёbnoνel.com.

“Kang Woo-jin!! Kang Woo-jin!!!”

“Woo-jin! This way, Woo-jin!!”

Kang Woo-jin, whose influence was growing in Korea, Japan, and beyond, had arrived. The reason for his appearance was that he was the ambassador for the luxury brand. Woo-jin waved silently at the hundreds of reporters gathered in front of him.

At this moment, the reporters burst forth with questions.

“*Strange Parasite* is a huge hit!! Do you think it will surpass 20 million??!”

“And *Symbiotic Leech*!! It also surpassed 15 million! What do you expect the total audience count to be??!”

“Woo-jin!! Since Cannes, have there been no love calls from Hollywood?!”

“Ah! I’m sure there must have been casting offers from Hollywood! Just give us a hint!!”

“Will you be attending all the domestic film festivals this year??!”

“There are rumors you’ll be making a serious attempt in Hollywood next year! Is that true?!”

But Kang Woo-jin, with a poker face.

“...”

He only waved his hand without responding. His expression was more serious than ever.

“Whoa—my ears are going to burst!”

At that moment, a female reporter standing close to Woo-jin shouted her best.

“Woo-jin!! Kang Woo-jin!!! Miley Cara is said to be appearing in *The Beneficial Evil*! Is that true?? Is it just a rumor?!”

Of course, once again, Kang Woo-jin remained silent. However, his gaze was fixed on the reporters in front of him. Still, he didn’t open his mouth. It seemed he had no intention of answering to the end. The hundreds of reporters weren’t unaware of this, but they didn’t give up.

Some reporters, infected by her question, tossed out additional queries.

“Oh, right! That photo circulating on SNS and other platforms! The blonde woman—she’s just a staff member, right?!”

“The question about Miley Cara’s participation in *The Beneficial Evil*! Everyone’s dismissing it as a rumor! But still, Woo-jin, please give us a definitive answer!!”

With no change in his expression, Kang Woo-jin suddenly spoke.

“Yes, it’s true. The blonde woman in the photo from the *The Beneficial Evil* shoot is Miley Cara.”

Woo-jin continued in a low tone.

“Miley Cara has already completed her filming.”

In that instant, the hands of the hundreds of reporters who had been crazily clicking their shutters came to a halt.

“...Huh?”