I Was Mistaken as a Monstrous Genius Actor-Chapter 371: Prestige (8) - Edited

Chapter 371: Prestige (8)

Translator: Santos

When Kang Woo-jin first heard about the “Beast Transformation” ability in the space, he felt a bit scared. I mean, was he really going to transform into a beast covered in fur? But fortunately, the “Beast Transformation” ability granted by the space wasn’t like that at all.

“Definitely—I've become more composed. No, should I say ferocious?”

It could be clearly viewed as a manifestation of his beastly nature. If he incorporated the “Beast Transformation” into his concept, it seemed like it would not only enhance his firmness but also elevate his control, restraint, and resilience to an extraordinary level. He felt a significant upgrade in his indifference and coldness. Woo-jin already had a no-backward attitude, but now he felt like he could charge forward endlessly without even thinking.

A wild beast unleashed? That’s how he felt.

It wasn’t just an external “Beast Transformation” but rather an internal one.

This was also an enhancement of the concept that Kang Woo-jin usually fought for. Of course, it would help him in the movie *The Beast and the Beauty*, but in his usual state, it was clear that it would bolster his conceptual appearance by 100%.

Was it passive?

Whatever it was, as he released the “Beast Transformation” ability, Kang Woo-jin let out a small sigh of relief.

“Ugh—man, I was so scared. If I had really sprouted fur, it would have been a disaster.”

The space was always a crazy cheat code that defied common sense, yet at times, it felt remarkably sensible. It was as if it precisely matched the scale that Woo-jin could maximize as a “monster” in reality.

Beyond imagination, yet not beyond reason.

After calming his once-frazzled nerves, Kang Woo-jin exhaled again.

- Swoosh.

He lowered the script for *The Beast and the Beauty* in his hand. Specifically, he was looking at a black square. It was to enter the space again. Instantly, his world changed. Upon entering the dark space, Woo-jin moved as if in a white square and murmured.

“Hmm—now that I think about it, is the ‘Beast’ in *The Beast and the Beauty* somewhat similar to me?”

In a way, it was. Kang Woo-jin maintained a concept full of delusions. The “Beast” from *The Beast and the Beauty* was actually a prince at heart. At first, he pretended to be a beast, but ultimately, he transformed into a prince. However, he had been living for so long pretending to be a beast.

The backgrounds and situations were different, but wasn’t it the same as Woo-jin?

“This role fits me perfectly, doesn’t it??”

A prince pretending to be a beast. It was a perfect match for Woo-jin, who had a core that was different.

Anyway.

[“Preparing for the reading of ‘A: The Beast’...”]

Once again, a massive gray aura enveloped Kang Woo-jin.

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The sound of a chilly wind could be heard. The windows rattled. They filled with white and then vanished. It was a snowstorm. Gradually, color was added to Kang Woo-jin's vision, which had been thrown into a new world.

A dark and musty space.

“...”

The smell was oddly pungent. The temperature was cold. However, Woo-jin didn’t feel cold at all. Instead, he felt hot. Was it his heart? No, it was closer to anger.

Kang Woo-jin lifted his arm.

He felt the weight and bulk. Ah—was this my arm? As he raised it, a wild boar appeared before him. No, it was undoubtedly his right arm. It just looked like a wild boar because it was covered in thick brown fur. The dense brown fur was rough and lacked any shine.

The arm of a “beast” itself.

Kang Woo-jin, or “the Beast,” turned his arm around. He could see his hand. Although he wouldn’t exactly call it a hand, it was indeed one. Once again, it was covered in brown fur, and his palm was enormous. The tips of his sturdy fingers had black claws that looked almost weapon-like.

“...”

Soon, the heart of the “beast” spread throughout his chest. A desire to tear, scratch, bite, and roar. If anyone were in front of him, he felt he could grab their neck and twist it. Calm, indifferent, rough, irritated, anxious, and restless.

“Ugh—”

There was also a clumsy child-like emotion. On the other hand, there wasn’t even a speck of trust. Everything was unsatisfactory, and everything visible felt uncomfortable. Kang Woo-jin flexed his massive hand.

“...”

How long am I going to have to keep this damn fur?

At that moment.

“@()%(%(@%(%.”

“(%#%(#(!!$_!$_”

“*#&%*(#%*%!”

He could hear muffled voices outside. It must be those guys. Things like candlesticks or kettles. They were loud. As he tried to shout in annoyance, Woo-jin let out a small sigh and stopped. He stood up. There was a rustling sound. It came from the ragged clothing that the “beast” was wearing. Likewise, he focused on his legs covered in dense brown fur.

They were enormous.

- Swoosh.

Slowly lifting his head, he caught a glimpse of his face in the mirror attached to the wall. It was an utterly hideous sight. His face was covered in fur, and although he had eyes, nose, and mouth, his skin was unlike a human's. The size of his face was twice that of a human. Most notably, there were curved horns on both sides of his head. It was the form of a beast. No, it was the very image of a monster.

However, Woo-jin gazing into the mirror remained silent.

This current appearance was quite familiar to him. A beast or Kang Woo-jin turned his gaze away. Unlike this dark space, a single red rose stood under a clean glass cover. Its color was so vivid that it looked like it was drenched in blood.

Gazing at the rose, Woo-jin whispered softly.

“...This feels like a damn curse.”

Afterward.

After finishing the reading (experience) as the “Beast,” Kang Woo-jin returned to his reality. He had to manage his hellish schedule as usual. He took a shower, got dressed, and headed to the parking lot, where he boarded the van he always took.

He greeted Choi Sung-geon and the team members.

Responding to them with a low energy level.

However, right now, Woo-jin had just lived the life of a “beast.” A peculiar exhilaration filled him. How could he express this? Yes, it felt like watching an amazing Disney movie. Of course, he had lived through that world himself.

“This is interesting. The dinosaurs were fascinating, but this isn’t any less impressive.”

Moreover, Woo-jin's conceptualization had become more solid.

“Woo-jin, why do you seem a bit colder today?”

“Really?”

“Uh-huh. Hmph—your aura seems to have grown larger. Your fighting spirit from this morning is no joke, huh? Your gaze is something else.”

Regardless of the moment, he could have dived straight into filming *The Beast and the Beauty* without any problem. It must be the power of the “Beast Transformation.” Well, of course, the core of Kang Woo-jin hadn’t changed at all.

“Aah—by the way, who will play the beauty? Now that I've lived as a beast, I’m even more curious.”

At that moment.

“Woo-jin, did you hear the announcement from Director Ahn Ga-bok?”

Choi Sung-geon, with his short hair, waved his phone. It seemed he was reading an article. Naturally, Kang Woo-jin had heard about the news from the seasoned director Ahn Ga-bok. He had made quite an impact at the ‘Busan International Film Festival’ that he couldn’t attend yesterday. It was announced that he would be directing a Hollywood project.

Woo-jin responded softly.

“Yes, sir.”

Internally, he felt a bit puzzled by the choice of the spirit.

“That old man. No, did the director take me as a reference?”

Having seen Ahn Ga-bok's true self as someone without any hesitation, it might have been somewhat understandable. Soon, nonchalantly pulling out his phone, Kang Woo-jin opened a portal site. What could he say? Both his name and Miley Cara’s were still prominently displayed, but naturally, the scoop about Director Ahn Ga-bok was pouring out.

『[Breaking News] Director Ahn Ga-bok, confirmed to make his Hollywood debut!』

『Director Ahn Ga-bok, who attended the ‘Busan International Film Festival,’ made a bombshell announcement: “My next project will be in Hollywood.”』

『Director Ahn Ga-bok has teamed up with the mega Hollywood film studio ‘Columbia Studios’ for his next project!』

Since Ahn Ga-bok was a historical or legendary figure in Korean cinema, almost all articles celebrated his insane trajectory.

『Following the ‘Palme d’Or’ at Cannes, he is now making his Hollywood debut... Director Ahn Ga-bok becomes the first Korean director to be picked for a Hollywood project.』

From major portal sites to smaller outlets, there wasn’t a place that didn’t have his name.

『Director

Ahn Ga-bok, a legend in Korean cinema, is now poised to make his name in Hollywood!』

『[Official] Confirmed collaboration with Hollywood’s ‘Big Five’ film studio ‘Columbia Studios,’ Director Ahn Ga-bok, surpassing many renowned Hollywood directors.』

Even if he hadn’t heard it, the morning radio show on his way to work had.

“Before we kick things off! There’s exciting news that’s making shoulders soar from the morning, right??”

“Exactly! I was so surprised when I read the article.”

“Director Ahn Ga-bok, who won the ‘Palme d’Or’ at this year’s Cannes, has decided to take on the director role for a Hollywood film!!”

“Moreover, that Hollywood studio is ‘Columbia Studios,’ right?”

“Exactly! It’s renowned as one of the biggest distribution and production companies in Hollywood!”

“Director Ahn Ga-bok is amazing!!”

“This news has gotten the media and the public incredibly excited, and we are too.”

“Imagine! When the Hollywood movie starts and Director Ahn Ga-bok’s name pops up, wow—”

Various broadcast stations quickly reported on Director Ahn Ga-bok’s Hollywood debut. Although, to be fair, they were a bit slow. YouTube, SNS, and communities had been buzzing since dawn.

—Wow..... this is crazy..... it's legit...?

—LOL, my friend told me and I thought it was a joke, but is it real???!!!!

—Crazy, LOL. He swept Cannes, and now a Tier 1 Hollywood studio is calling him, LOL.

—Honestly, although Director Ahn Ga-bok is an authority in Korean cinema, he hasn’t had much luck, LOL. Congratulations!!

—Director Ahn Ga-bok is really hitting it big in his later years!!

—Even though Kang Woo-jin and the actors performed well, Director Ahn’s direction was insane, LOL. The reflection of Kang Woo-jin in the family portrait was truly.... like someone in four pairs of underwear.

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Since it was overly lively.

This atmosphere exploded throughout the weekend. However, the momentum didn’t die down. In fact, on Monday the 15th, as the workweek began again, it intensified several times more. You could see Director Ahn Ga-bok’s Hollywood debut everywhere on the internet. But this was just the beginning.

The Japanese, who had been thoroughly beaten by Director Ahn at the Cannes Film Festival.

『Cannes ‘Palme d’Or’ and ‘Best Actor’ went to ‘The Leech,’ ‘Korean Director Ahn Ga-bok’ plans to raise the power of Korean cinema from the heart of Hollywood.』

Countries other than France, which had fallen for *The Leech*, also reported on Director Ahn Ga-bok’s Hollywood debut. This just showed the incredible strength of *The Leech* that swept the Cannes Film Festival.

While the domestic and global community was crying out the name of Director Ahn Ga-bok.

“Hi—Action!!!”

Kang Woo-jin was quietly pouring his passion into filming *Evil that Benefits*. It was as if he was completely unconcerned. The role of the “Pierrot,” which Director Ahn Ga-bok would take on, was bound to have a deeper connection with Woo-jin, but right now, honestly, he didn’t have a moment to spare to look away.

“Cut!! OOOK!! Great job, Woo-jin! This time, let’s go with the burst!”

“Yes, PD-nim.”

Including the filming of *Evil that Benefits*, there were numerous schedules related to “Kang Woo-jin’s alternate character,” advertisements, photoshoots, various events, and interviews, etc. With the year-end approaching, there was much to prepare.

“It’s best to quietly go through the schedule right now.”

It was better to complete as many domestic schedules as possible before the new year. Next year, he would likely spend more time abroad than in Korea. Well, even if Kang Woo-jin didn’t move, the snowball would naturally grow in size, so it didn’t matter. *Evil that Benefits*, Miley Cara, *The Pierrot*, Director Ahn Ga-bok, and everything else.

Kang Woo-jin could make an appearance when the issue reached its peak.

By this time, even far-off Hollywood had taken notice of Director Ahn Ga-bok.

『ABY/ Confirmation of selection for the director of the huge new movie from ‘Columbia Studios,’ ‘Cannes Palme d’Or’ winner Ahn Ga-bok.』

Recently, the team from *The Pierrot* announced Ahn Ga-bok as the director, which drew attention across Hollywood.

Of course, it was only natural that attention focused on him.

『LA TIME/ Korean Director Ahn Ga-bok selected as the director of Columbia Studios’ new film, drawing Hollywood’s interest in him.』

Furthermore, the recognition of *The Pierrot* rose.

On Wednesday, the 24th. Yeoncheon, Gyeonggi Province.

The time was around 8 AM. A large resort near the massive set for *Evil that Benefits*. This resort was the accommodation for the *Evil that Benefits* team. Kang Woo-jin could be found in one of the rooms in that resort.

He seemed to be ready to head out soon.

“Huh—let’s go.”

At the end of November, the weather had turned abruptly cold, so Woo-jin wore a thick long padding without hair or makeup, looking natural. The fatigue that was beginning to rise was smoothed out by his visit to the space beforehand, and as he equipped the concept he had laid aside on his face, he reached for the doorknob.

- Woosh, woosh.

His phone in the pocket of his long padding rang. Checking the caller, it was the spirit, Director Ahn Ga-bok. Kang Woo-jin tilted his head slightly and cleared his throat.

“Yes, Director. Hello.”

Woo-jin’s voice was low and calm. On the other end of the phone, Director Ahn Ga-bok was composed.

“I’m calling before heading to Hollywood.”

“Are you leaving now?”

“Um, I’m at the airport right now. The reporters are really persistent, it’s chaotic. I’ll be leaving in an hour. Once I go to Hollywood, I won’t be able to come to Korea for a while. I probably won’t be able to attend the Blue Dragon or Daejong Film Awards either. Will you be attending?”

“Yes.”

“Good. I just called to check on you before I go.”

Director Ahn Ga-bok spoke in a calm tone.

“I need to go ahead and get my hands on *The Pierrot*. Make sure to come quickly, I’m waiting.”

Kang Woo-jin answered shortly and clearly.

“Yes, I will be there shortly.”

That was the end of the call. A strange sense of anxiety surged within Woo-jin as he tried to suppress it. At the same time.

- Knock, knock.

Someone knocked on the door. When he opened it, Choi Sung-geon, wearing a short padded jacket, was grinning. The moment he saw Kang Woo-jin, he thrust his phone forward. The screen displayed some staggering numbers.

[South Korea's All-Time Box Office]

[All-Time Movie Rankings (Total)]

-1. The Leech/ Total Audience: 20,483,558

-2. Island of the Missing/ Total Audience: 20,321,451

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-3. Naval Battle/ Total Audience: 16,715,955

-4. Unavoidable/ Total Audience: 15,557,118

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The somewhat indifferent Kang Woo-jin spoke nonchalantly.

“Looks like this chart is complete.”