I Was Mistaken as a Monstrous Genius Actor

March 11th, Wednesday afternoon.

The ‘Exorcism’ team was shooting for the second day in Paju, Gyeonggi-do. The current location was an old café near a villa, which also doubled as a restaurant. The ‘Exorcism’ crew, about ten people, were busy around the café, cleaning up after a scene.

In the film industry, there is a phrase: ‘Unfold and fold.’

It means to spread out and then clean up, and even in commercial films, they clean up quickly after outdoor shooting. Short films had to be twice as fast to save on production costs.

Anyhow.

-Duuk!

Top actress Hong Hye-yeon got into a van parked by the roadside. she leaned her head back against the headrest, wearing a white long padded jacket, and sighed heavily.

“Whew-”

She casually swept her long hair back. It looked like a scene from a shampoo commercial.

Hong Hye-yeon’s filming for ‘Exorcism’ was over with that scene. She had spent two out of the total five shooting days with the crew. Originally, it was a three-day schedule, but due to her other busy schedules, the shooting was quite intense. The scene just before was a two-shot scene with Kang Woojin, the protagonist of ‘Exorcism’.

As she closed her long padded coat, Hong Hye-yeon reflected on the emotions and scenes left in her mind.

‘It felt different from watching it on a monitor. It’s different when you experience it with your own eyes. Did I feel a bit intimidated in the middle? Why?’

She gnawed at her lower lip as she questioned herself.

‘I felt that my acting was lacking while trying to match the acting.’

Hong Hye-yeon felt a distance in acting between her and Kang Woojin. She was a top actress, but Kang Woojin was still a nobody. But still, it felt far. It felt quite distant.

‘I don’t know, it seemed like I was being stubborn from the middle.’

She even asked Director Shin Dong-chun for a retake out of dissatisfaction. As retakes increased, Kang Woojin’s Kim Ryu-jin became deeper, and the gap didn’t shrink.

Of course, her acting wasn’t bad overall.

No, rather it was good. Director Shin Dong-chun was satisfied. Even Hong Hye-yeon was among the top actresses in Korea in terms of acting. It’s just that Kang Woojin was an unbelievable existence.

‘How does he do it? When I see him, it feels like he’s lived in the world of the drama for years. That gaze- Is it just talent?’

She had joined ‘Exorcism’ to understand Kang Woojin’s insane acting, but having experienced it, she felt even more entangled. Moreover, she got a new shock this time.

“······Kim Ryu-jin had a completely different tone from Park Dae-ri. How can he distinguish the two characters so clearly while working on two projects simultaneously?”

Park Dae-ri was sticky and cunning, while this time’s Kim Ryu-jin had a relaxed and full of everyday life. Kang Woojin’s Park Dae-ri and Kim Ryu-jin were completely separate. This was a skill that a rookie could never have.

“Is it multiple personalities-”

Multiple personalities. Yes, it seemed like multiple personalities. Distinct personalities. Suddenly, Hong Hye-yeon sighed.

“Is it something that can be achieved through learning?”

Even Kang Woojin learned it on his own. For now, it was unknown. It might be impossible. But she had to keep watching. Kang Woojin. Because she wanted to act better.

Soon, Hong Hye-yeon.

-Swooosh.

She took out her phone and called the head of her agency. That is, CEO Choi Sung-geun.

“Bro! How much is Kang Woojin’s signing fee?? What? Isn’t it a bit low??”

Meanwhile, inside the café where the shooting cleanup was in full swing.

Kang Woojin is sitting by the café window, which was generally shabby. Waiting to get in the car with the team. His current outfit was very much Kim Ryu-jin, but his face was expressionless.

However, inside he felt quite good.

‘I did it.’

Specifically, there was a scene where Hong Hye-yeon hugged Kang Woojin from behind. It was not a cut filled with affection. Rather, it was a scene that gave him goosebumps. But a back hug is a back hug. The warmth of Hong Hye-yeon was clear on Woojin’s back. It was something that would make Woojin, an ordinary citizen, smile.

‘No way, I got a back hug from Hong Hye-yeon? Now, I have another thing to boast about to Kim Dae-young.’

That’s when it happened.

“Woojin.”

A male voice woke Kang Woojin, lost in his fantasies. Turning around, he saw Director Shin Dong-chun, smiling.

“What are you thinking about so seriously?”

A back hug, Woojin couldn’t say, so he dodged the question with other words. Since they were filming, the acting must be good. Kang Woojin muttered sternly.

“I was thinking about the next scene.”

There was no lie as blatant as this. Director Shin Dong-chun, who had no way of knowing this, tucked his shooting script into his back pocket.

“Don’t overdo it. You are already doing more than enough. If you collapse, we’ll have to stop everything, you know?”

“I’ll be careful.”

Director Shin Dong-chun, with a smile mixed with satisfaction, sat next to Woojin and changed the subject.

“Woojin, you haven’t signed a contract with an agency yet, right?”

“Yes, not yet.”

“You must have received quite a few business cards at the ‘Profiler Hanryang’ reading session, right?”

What’s up? Should I prepare myself? As Kang Woojin stared silently, Director Shin Dong-chun shrugged his shoulders.

“Well, I used to be a drama PD. I was decent, you know? Because a lot of entertainment industry representatives attend the script reading, I thought if they saw you, they would definitely give you their business card.”

“I see.”

“Are you worried? Um- I don’t know about other advice, but newcomers or unknowns usually don’t get a signing bonus when joining a company. Rather, they pay to get in.”

“…”

“It costs money to nurture a newcomer. They are the ones investing the money. Newcomers or unknowns usually sign a contract for 5 or 7 years, and it takes at least 3 to 4 years to start making a profit.”

At this point, Director Shin Dong-chun changed his expression.

“But you, Woojin, should get a signing bonus. You’re special, aren’t you? You’re already making money from acting, and the scale is unbelievably large. No, I’m not talking about my work, I’m talking about ‘Profiler Hanryang’.”

“Yes.”

“You know how amazing PD Song man-woo and Writer Park Eun-mi are, right? Even top actors have a hard time joining their project.”

I wonder how much I should ask for? Just as Woojin was about to ask this question in his mind, Director Shin Dong-chun preemptively gave an answer.

“The reason why the entertainment companies are after you is because they can skip the trainee period, which usually costs millions of won. It’s more massive than you think. Both time and money. You’re advancing 3 to 5 years.”

“I sort of know.”

“But the real scary thing is uncertainty. They educate, invest money, promote, run around to producers and broadcasters, and if you screw up even after raising someone for 3 years, one in a hundred makes it. The rest are complete failures. Even that one barely lands a minor role.”

The entertainment industry is scary. Although there was no change in his expression, Kang Woojin was shaken inside. Regardless, Director Shin Dong-chun suddenly pointed at Kang Woojin with his index finger.

“But what about you now, Woojin? You are the lead in our ‘Exorcism’, right? And in ‘Profiler Hanryang’?”

“I’m a supporting actor.”

“You’re just starting out and you’re already the lead and supporting actor, without a 3 to 5 year gap? Plus, your acting is already polished, you don’t need any training. And you have star quality, too. Some people risk their lives to get a minor role, but you’ve created several times more than that on your own. Do you think entertainment companies won’t drool over you?”

It makes perfect sense, listening to him. Amid all this, Director Shin Dong-chun, who was crossed his arms, paused to think, then opened his mouth again.

“In my opinion, you could ask for at least 20 million for a signing bonus.”

Kang Woojin was shocked. Of course, inwardly.

‘What?! 20 million won???’

Afterwards

By the time Kang Woojin was once again back to shooting ‘Exorcism’, ‘Profiler Hanryang’ was pouring out promotions like a waterfall after finishing their script reading.

『[StarTalk] ‘Profiler Hanryang’ is currently in script reading, many stars in attendance/ Photos』

『Will it meet the expectations? The script reading of ‘Profiler Hanryang’ took place in a rented condo, will the content be as solid as the rumors suggest?』

With photos from the script reading filled with top actors and brief interviews of the actors, various rumors with credible sources were being spread to the public through articles.

『[Issue Check] ‘Profiler Hanryang’ side says, “First broadcast is planned for May”.』

『’Profiler Hanryang’ to likely air on Fridays and Saturdays, will hold production announcement at the end of April』

『Who is the scene-stealer actor, as mentioned by writer ‘Park Eun-mi’? Rumors are spreading among netizens.』

The first poster announcing the theme of the drama was also released. On a backdrop of black and gray smoke, photos of the lead actors, including Ryu Jung-min and Hong Hye-yeon, were scattered at the bottom, emphasizing the profiler vibe.

Of course, this being the first poster, it would likely change once the official poster is released. However, it successfully sent the message to the public about the pace of production. The following day, Thursday, the first teaser was released on the official YouTube channel of ‘Profiler Hanryang’.

– A sneak peek at the script reading filled with top actors? Can’t miss this!!｜Profiler Hanryang

-[SBC]/ENG SUB

-2020. 3. 12

A short 30-second video focused on script reading. But the views for this video were anything but short.

-Views 1,001,332

Was it because of the built-up anticipation? The massive participation of big names? The teaser video surpassed one million views in just one day after upload.

***

So, on a late Saturday afternoon, two days later.

Kang Woojin could be found in the second-floor bathroom of a Paju villa’s bathroom. No, he was now Kim Ryu-jin. Full of alertness in his eyes, he pressed his body against the wall, slowly hiding his body behind the door.

He stayed like that for about 10 seconds.

Someone roared at the eerily quiet second-floor bathroom.

“Cut!! Okay!!!”

It was Director Shin Dong-chun, who rushed over to the composed Kang Woojin with reddened eyes.

“Thank you! You really worked hard, Woojin!”

“You’ve worked hard too, director.”

Because the shooting of the short film ‘Exorcism’ was all finished.

That same day, late at night.

Including Kang Woojin, the ‘Exorcism’ team had a modest dinner at a meat restaurant near their Paju accommodation. It was past 10 o’clock at night. Hong Hye-yeon, who had left halfway through the schedule, was not there. Ah, of course, Kang Woojin missed her.

Anyway.

“Please set up three portions of pork belly on each table!”

“Yes, yes-”

“And please give us three bottles of soju for now!”

At the place where four tables were put together, the after-party of about 15 ‘Exorcism’ team members officially started.

“It’s a shame though, I really loved that villa.”

“Right, it felt just like my own house.”

“Hahaha. Just work hard and you can buy a villa, right?”

“Do you know why a villa is called a villa? They say it’s called a villa because it’s like plucking stars from the sky.”

The ten or so staff members and actors, who had become quite close over five days, were busy laughing and chatting. Director Shin Dong-chun looked at them with a gratified smile. It was a moment of pride as a rookie director.

Meanwhile.

“……”

The expressionless man sitting next to Director Shin Dong-chun. With his windbreaker zipped up to his neck, Kang Woojin was silently staring down at his cup. No, more precisely, he was reflecting on the past five days that involved ‘shooting’.

‘It feels a bit strange. A bittersweet feeling?’

We call it a sense of regret. Woojin was slightly regretful. He felt a sense of accomplishment for the first time in a long time.

‘When I heard the OK at the end of the shoot, I even felt a chill.’

It was a short film, but his first movie, his first shooting, his first leading role.

Everything was new and unfamiliar to Kang Woojin, and while the continuous five-day shoot was terribly hard, it was fun. Despite the fatigue from the unfamiliar environment, the wonder and fascination that were fed daily were even greater. Of course, there was also the mental burden for Woojin to maintain his character.

But Kang Woojin’s conclusion was that ‘it was fun.’

‘I never felt like this when I was at the design company. Well, it’s seriously tough, no doubt. Is this the level of a short film?’

Suddenly, Kang Woojin imagined the torment of shooting a proper commercial work or ‘Profiler Hanryang’. He hit the nail on the head. ‘Exorcism’ was just a warm-up.

‘Ha- I need to build up my stamina.’

Anyway, Kang Woojin’s life had drastically changed.

Then.

“Woojin?”

A female actor called out to Kang Woojin.

“Aren’t you tired? You’ve been sitting very calmly.”

As the topic shifted to Kang Woojin, actors and staff began to chime in one after another.

“Right, Woojin didn’t change his expression throughout the shooting. It was amazing.”

“Right. In the final stages of filming, only Woojin was in great shape, right? I don’t think I’ve ever seen him look tired.”

“And he maintained a steady tone in his acting too. Was it really not tiring at all?”

No? It was damn hard. But whining didn’t suit Kang Woojin, who was trying to act tough. Somehow, he kept a poker face. So the answer had to be similar.

“I managed.”

Behind him, Director Shin Dong-chun laughed and patted Kang Woojin’s shoulder a couple of times.

“You’ve got stamina, and you’re mentally strong. Honestly, Woojin, there’s nothing lacking in you as an actor. If I were a drama PD, I’d cast you on the spot.”

“Thank you.”

“Above all, you’re about to be on a massive set, right? You have to be unfazed by this.”

I know, I understand. Just when I had forgotten, this guy reminds me of my fear. Other actors rushed in, regardless of Woojin’s true feelings.

“Oh right! What are you filming? A movie? A drama?”

“Wow- I’m envious. But I admit, Woojin. With your acting skills, you can definitely succeed anywhere.”

“When I see you on TV or on the screen, I feel like bragging to everyone around me. Oh! Woojin, can you please give me your autograph?”

“…Autograph?”

As soon as the word ‘autograph’ was spat out, the actors all raised their hands. Director Shin Dong-chun, stopped them.

“Hahaha, let’s do that later. For now, Woojin’s filming is done. I’m going to start post-production work right away from tomorrow.”

In other words, he was going to start editing.

“But there will probably be some post-sync work.”

Director Shin Dong-chun gave a brief explanation. Basically, there would be audio post-sync work due to narration or the sound being distorted by the surrounding environment.

“We’ll do it all in one day. I’ll contact you before scheduling.”

All of this information and knowledge was new to Kang Woojin, but he calmly nodded his head.

“I understand.”

He asked about something he was curious about.

“Has the schedule for the ‘Mise-en-scène Short Film Festival’ been released?”

“No, not yet. The exact schedule usually comes out two weeks before. Rumor has it that it’ll be around mid-April to late-April. There’s a little over a month left, so luckily the post-production work won’t be too tight.”

“I see.”

For a moment, energy surged in Director Shin Dong-chun’s eyes.

“Woojin’s cuts. I mean, the shots are of high quality. so the film should turn out great.”

Then.

“Oh.”

While refilling Woojin’s soju glass, Director Shin Dong-chun suddenly changed the subject.

“Woojin, you do have a suit, right?”

A suit? Of course, he does have one. The cheap suit he bought during a 1+1 deal for a job interview.

“I have one.”

“Hmm- But even if you do, buy another one. Spend a bit of money and get a good one.”

“Is there a reason?”

“Honestly, before I met Woojin, I thought it was a dream, but now it feels like it’s going to become a reality? I mentioned this before, right? Among hundreds of submissions, only a few dozens get selected for the ‘Mise-en-scène Short Film Festival’ main competition. The weight of the actor’s performance also plays a significant role in the judging criteria.”

“Yes.”

At this point, Director Shin Dong-chun smiled confidently.

“If you’re invited as a finalist, of course, the lead actor has to attend the film festival.”

He pointed at Kang Woojin.

“There will be amazing figures from the film industry there, so you have to look the part, right?”

*****