I Was Mistaken as a Monstrous Genius Actor

Translator: Dreamscribe

Director Bill Rotner’s sudden directing intervention. His point was simple. Beauty ‘Bella’ was looking at ‘Beast’ with love in her eyes too soon.

“Are you confused? Miley, your emotions are moving too fast. As you know, at this moment, beauty ‘Bella’ should feel fear or shock towards ‘Beast’.”

It was something everyone knew. In the beginning, beauty ‘Bella’ is supposed to recoil at the sight of ‘Beast’. However, in Director Bill Rotner’s eyes, the way Miley Cara was looking at Woojin right now contained no fear at all. Fear? Rather, it was a gaze filled with affection.

That was what irked Director Bill Rotner.

So, he pointed it out to Miley Cara, and after pausing for a moment, she cleared her throat and nodded.

“Ahem, was I? I guess I was too eager.”

“Preparing or imagining things in advance is good, but it was too fast. Let’s go again from two scenes later.”

“Yes.”

Miley Cara let it pass smoothly. Most of the Hollywood actors and staff, except for a few, didn’t seem particularly suspicious.

Except for one person.

‘……Look at this? Last time, she denied it so strongly?’

Maria Armas, with her striking brown eyes, was deeply suspicious of Cara. She narrowed her large eyes and stared intently at her. However, Cara casually brushed back her blonde hair and lowered her gaze to the script. She had to act nonchalant.

‘Am I crazy?! How was I looking at him just now??’

In truth, Cara was currently in a state of inner turmoil. Without realizing it, she had looked at Kang Woojin not as ‘Beast’ but as a man she had feelings for. And that too, in this ‘Beast and Beauty’ reading room filled with hundreds of people. Though she pretended to focus on the script as if it were no big deal, she was quite flustered.

Kang Woojin carefully observed Miley Cara.

‘An affectionate gaze?’

His poker face remained indifferent due to his usual act, but his attention was drawn to Cara. Since arriving at this script reading, she had seemed completely fine. But just now, her gaze contained affection?

‘Did it? No way. I didn’t feel anything.’

But Woojin had no clue. That made sense. Even if it wasn’t fear, there was no particular warmth in Cara’s gaze either. Where exactly did she show affection?

At that moment, Miley Cara, who had just finished her line.

-Swoosh.

Glanced at Kang Woojin briefly, then quickly looked away. This was when Woojin became slightly convinced.

‘Ah- is she also keeping up a concept too?’

He almost.

‘What the, why is that cute?’

Nearly forgot his concept act and smiled.

Later.

Aside from Cara’s small mistake, the ‘Beast and Beauty’ script reading proceeded without major issues. The performances of Kang Woojin, Cara, Maria Armas, and the other actors were, of course, flawless.

-♬♪

The practice for the inserted songs after the reading also went very smoothly. It was evident that the actors had put in considerable effort not only for their lines but also in mastering the songs. Thus, the entire ‘Beast and Beauty’ script reading was finally completed by late afternoon.

However, the actors didn’t leave immediately.

The atmosphere was cheerful. It gradually shifted towards everyone suggesting having a meal together. But for some reason, Miley Cara quickly said her farewells and left the reading room in a hurry. No one stopped her, and Kang Woojin didn’t either.

‘I should DM her later.’

At that moment, a certain actress approached Woojin. It was Maria Armas. She leaned in and whispered to him, but not in English, she spoke in Spanish.

“You’re dating Miley, right? Maria said it wasn’t true, but, no matter how I look at it, the mood between you two…”

“No.”

However, Kang Woojin cut her off sharply and responded in Spanish. His poker face remained thick as ever.

“You’re mistaken.”

Maria watched Woojin’s indifferent back as he walked away and muttered softly to herself.

“No way, there’s definitely something going on between them.”

Meanwhile, in Korea.

Unlike LA, where it was late afternoon, it was morning in Korea. At this time, in the Netflix Korea meeting room, the entire ‘Beneficial Evil’ team had gathered, including PD Song Man-woo, who was in the final stages of editing Part 2, and Writer Choi Na-na. However, this meeting, managed by Executive Director Kim So-hyang, was not about Part 2.

“This is our schedule for LA. The ‘Emmy Awards’ is the very last event.”

They had been called together to discuss the ‘Emmy Awards’, which were now just two weeks away. From actors like Hwalin and Ha Gang-su to PD Song Man-woo and Writer Choi Na-na, who were nominated in their respective categories, and the key staff members, everyone was listening attentively.

That was only natural. Netflix was overseeing the overall management of the upcoming ‘Emmy Awards’ ceremony.

“We depart on the 20th and head straight to our accommodations upon arrival in LA. The next day, media interviews will begin.”

What Kim So-hyang was showing them was the full schedule for before and after the ‘Emmy Awards’.

“After about a week of engagements, all that’s left is the ‘Emmy Awards’. As you all know, the ‘Emmy Awards’ will be held at the ‘Wicrosoft Theater’ in LA.”

The highlight was, of course, the day of the ‘Emmy Awards’ itself.

“It’s a massive venue, and the ‘Emmy Awards’ are held here every year. The red carpet format is like this, so everyone should pay attention to their styling for the day. Since ‘Beneficial Evil’ is the first Asian production to be nominated in 10 categories, the interest is overwhelming. And considering the sheer scale of the ‘Emmy Awards’, not just Hollywood but journalists, broadcasters, and the ‘Emmy Awards’ coverage teams from around the world will be there… We expect at least a thousand people on the red carpet.”

Soon, a tense atmosphere spread throughout the ‘Beneficial Evil’ team. Everyone had attended award ceremonies before, but this was their first time at an international event of this caliber, often called the Academy Awards of the television industry. At this point, PD Song Man-woo, stroking his goatee, asked:

“We’ve been in contact, but will Woojin be able to follow the schedule with us?”

Kim So-hyang shook her head.

“It looks difficult. He’s extremely busy. Woojin will continue filming without any prior engagements and will join us on the day of the ‘Emmy Awards’.”

“Hmm.”

Kim So-hyang continued the briefing. The meeting concluded about an hour later.

“Then, see you all at the airport!”

A few days later.

『[PHOTO] ‘Beneficial Evil’ team, nominated in 10 ‘Emmy Awards’ categories, departs for LA! / Photo』

The ‘Beneficial Evil’ team boarded a flight to LA.

About a week later, Monday, August 1st.

At the ‘Wicrosoft Theater’, located in the heart of LA. Among all the venues in LA, this was by far the largest. Despite it being morning, the area surrounding the massive theater was already packed. From the main hall, which could accommodate tens of thousands of people, to the adjacent mid-sized hall, the red carpet stretched endlessly, with photographers scrambling to claim their spots.

There were already over a hundred of them.

And they were all journalists. Not just from the U.S., but from media outlets worldwide.

So why were reporters gathering around the red carpet from early morning?

The reason was simple.

『LA TIME / [Primetime Emmy Awards] The ‘Emmy Awards’ start in the afternoon, but journalists are already busy in the morning』

The ‘Emmy Awards’, the most prestigious television industry awards in the world, were set to take place that afternoon. With countless global celebrities expected to attend, journalists had rushed to secure the best possible positions for their coverage.

A few hours later.

As the once-blazing sun gradually began to set, the time reached 3 PM. The number of reporters on the red carpet, which had already exceeded a hundred, had now grown to an unimaginable scale. At a glance, there were well over 500. From the main hall to the far end of the red carpet, journalists were densely packed, leaving no empty spaces.

The languages spoken were diverse, and the nationalities varied.

As a result, the noise level had risen far beyond mere chatter, creating a chaotic, thunderous atmosphere. Shouts could be heard from all directions.

“Hey! That’s my spot!”

“Since when? Did you pay ‘Emmy Awards’ for that spot?!”

“What?!”

“Hey! Stop them! Stop them!!”

Fights were breaking out between journalists, creating quite the spectacle.

Even with so many reporters gathered, it was astonishing that not even half of them had arrived yet. Moreover, it wasn’t just photographers anymore.

“I’m currently in front of the ‘Emmy Awards’ red carpet. As expected of a globally massive awards ceremony, an overwhelming number of journalists have gathered. The most anticipated production at this year’s ‘Emmy Awards’ is undoubtedly Korea’s ‘Beneficial Evil’, which has been nominated in an impressive 10 categories…”

Broadcast teams, equipped with cameras marked with large network logos, were also increasing in numbers. And it wasn’t just one or two teams. Dozens were already visible. From the U.S. to every country participating in the ‘Emmy Awards’, broadcast crews were lined up, with Korean networks among them.

Several Korean broadcasters were filming around the red carpet, near the massive trophy statue set up by the ‘Emmy Awards’ team, or beside a giant promotional poster.

“With numerous foreign media outlets present, the ‘Beneficial Evil’ team has yet to arrive at the ‘Emmy Awards’. However, many international networks seem to be frequently mentioning ‘Beneficial Evil’, suggesting they are eagerly waiting for them.”

When counting all the journalists and broadcast crews, regardless of nationality, the number approached a thousand. Adding in the ‘Emmy Awards’ staff and officials, that number easily exceeded 1,000.

Currently, the team displaying the most noticeable activity at the ‘Emmy Awards’ was.

“Now, we’ll show you the red carpet, marking the grand start of the ‘Emmy Awards’!”

It was the live broadcast team, which had begun streaming about 30 minutes ago, delivering real-time coverage of the ‘Emmy Awards’ worldwide. For reference, the ‘Emmy Awards’ were being streamed live on YouTube and several other video platforms.

At that moment.

-Swish.

Between the red carpet and the main hall, several foreigners stepped into the photo zone plastered with ‘Emmy Awards’ logos. They were the hosts and staff hired by the ‘Emmy Awards’ for the photo zone. Their role was to conduct interviews with celebrities and other famous figures passing through the red carpet.

As a result, this area was the most densely packed with journalists.

The time was now 4:30 PM.

By now, around the red carpet.

“$(#%&(#(*%!”

“@%**@(%_!$*()!!”

“($%)*%()@%(!#!(~!!”

Indistinct shouting echoed through the air, creating an unintelligible roar. The number of reporters, broadcast teams, and live-streaming crews had doubled, and on top of that, an enormous crowd of spectators had gathered. These onlookers ranged from local residents to foreign fans who had traveled to witness the ‘Emmy Awards’ in person.

Thousands.

The red carpet, which wasn’t particularly long but wasn’t short either, was now packed with people.

And when the clock passed 5:00 PM.

“They’re here!!”

“Hey! Leo!! LEO!!!”

“Hey! Stop pushing!! Leo, look this way!!”

The first actor appeared on the red carpet. A famous Hollywood actor, and as soon as he arrived, over a thousand cameras flashed like lightning.

-Pababababak!

-Pababababababak!!

Though it was getting darker, the scene looked no different from morning. The exploding flashes were blinding.

Despite the overwhelming situation, the first Hollywood actor to arrive remained relaxed, smiling as he waved.

“Haha, am I the first one here?”

And with that, it began.

Soon, the bright lights and a flood of camera flashes lit up the red carpet as.

-Pababababababak!!

More and more actors started arriving.

Not only Hollywood stars but also top actors from various countries. Wearing tuxedos, suits, or stunning gowns, they brought glamour to the red carpet.

And, of course, it wasn’t just actors arriving.

Renowned directors, producers, influencers, and special guests officially invited by the ‘Emmy Awards’, their numbers alone reached thousands. When counting the invited actors as well, more than 10,000 people were expected to enter the ‘Emmy Awards’ main hall tonight.

As more and more stars illuminated the red carpet,

“Chris Hartnett has just arrived! Chris Hartnett is here!”

Not only the journalists, but also the countless cameras from international broadcasting teams were moving frantically.

And that wasn’t all.

“KYAAAAH!! CHRIS!! CHRIS!!!”

Thousands of spectators surrounding the press and broadcast crews all raised their phones high, frantically taking pictures of the actors dressed in tuxedos and gowns.

A scene far beyond mere chaos.

And as time passed, the intensity only grew stronger.

The actors and celebrities, after making their way through the overwhelming red carpet, proceeded to the photo zone at the far end for interviews before moving into the main hall. The overall atmosphere felt lively and uninhibited. The interviews were filled with laughter and jokes, and even the ‘Emmy Awards’ live broadcast wasn’t following rigid angles, each camera crew filmed however they pleased. Of course, the actors received the most screen time.

Currently, the ‘Emmy Awards’ were being broadcasted live worldwide, with the total viewership exceeding several million.

Meanwhile, the Korean reporters and broadcast staff were anxiously searching for someone.

“Where is the ‘Beneficial Evil’ team??”

“Exactly! They should be here by now! Did they already pass through?”

“No! I’ve been here from the beginning! They definitely haven’t arrived yet!”

Foreign media outlets were no different. After all, the biggest star of this year’s ‘Emmy Awards’ was undoubtedly ‘Beneficial Evil’, the first-ever production to receive 10 nominations.

At that moment.

“Huh?”

A cameraman from an American network, positioned at the beginning of the red carpet, furrowed his brows.

“What… what the hell??”

Something bizarre had entered his camera frame. A man had just stepped out of a limousine, wearing an outrageous outfit. The cameraman immediately shouted to his nearby colleagues.

“Hey! Look over there!! Some weird guy just showed up!”

Hearing his shout, hundreds of reporters and broadcast teams near the entrance all turned their attention toward the man. The amusing part? Everyone reacted the same way.

“What the hell! Who is that?!”

“Looks like some random spectator crashed the event?!“

“No way! He stepped out of a limousine, didn’t he?”

And honestly, their reaction was understandable.

The man who had appeared was dressed in a red jacket and pants, a blue shirt, a yellow vest, tattered brown shoes, and mismatched red-and-blue socks.

On top of that, his long, wet hair, reaching down to his jawline, was dyed a deep red, similar in shade to the red carpet itself.

The man who had stepped onto the red carpet remained silent.

“……”

Amid the sea of tuxedos at the ‘Emmy Awards’, his outfit and aura were utterly out of place.

He looked, without a doubt, like a lunatic.

“Who is that?! Is he an actor??!”

At first, the foreign reporters instinctively started snapping photos, and several broadcasting networks also began filming the madman. But it was clear that something was off. A complete lunatic had just appeared on a red carpet full of tuxedos.

Then, suddenly, one of the reporters shouted in English.

“Kang Woojin! That’s Kang Woojin!!”

At the exact same moment, the madman, no, Kang Woojin, ran both hands through his long red hair, slicking them back.

His face was now clearly visible.

The hundreds of reporters grew even more excited.

“It really is Kang Woojin!! But… what the hell is he wearing?!”

Without a single change in his stoic expression, Kang Woojin took his first step onto the red carpet.

-Swish.

The Joker’s march into the ‘Emmy Awards’ had begun.