Suddenly, I Became Crazy Handsome, and the World Became Easy

Chapter 157: Acceleration (6)

In truth, Kang Rojun had been bothered from the beginning of the script reading for ‘Like a Kaleidoscope’. Of course, the acting by the Japanese actors wasn’t bad. They were actors well-known in Japan and considered top actors, so that was to be expected.However.

‘Should I say it’s a bit too much?’

The acting overflowed. Not because it was good. It felt like a forcibly shaken cup of water overflowing unnaturally. That was the general tone of the Japanese actors’ performances. Still, Kang Rojun tried to let it slide.

How many people were in this reading room?

From Tom Cavill, the executive director of Netflix Japan, to the directing PD and others. Even if he didn’t say anything, someone else would surely raise it as a problem soon. However, no one pointed out the acting.

‘Am I the only one who finds it off? Why is everyone so quiet?’

Really? No one’s saying anything? Then I’ll have to do it.

In the end, Kang Rojun stepped forward without backing down in a reading room filled with Japanese actors.

“That performance just now felt a bit over the top. That scene shouldn’t have an ‘Look at me, I’m acting!’ kind of tone.”

A direction delivered in fluent Japanese. Silence fell across the wide reading room.

“……”

“……”

More than twenty Japanese actors all stared at Kang Rojun, as did the Netflix Japan team, including PD Noguchi Ken and Executive Director Tom Cavill. Manager Kim Ki-baek, who had been watching Rojun since the start of the reading, and Ryu Jung-hwa, Team Leader of Culture Drawer, had shock written in their eyes.

There had been no prior signs, no warning.

On the other hand, Kang Rojun was meeting eyes with Endo Takuto, who was playing ‘Detective Nagai’, with a very serious expression. He briefly wondered if he was crossing a line.

‘I don’t care. I’m the writer. Let’s just go for it.’

Rather than overthinking, he chose action.

Besides, while others might see them as top Japanese actors, in Kang Rojun’s eyes, they were just Japanese actor No. 1 or No. 2.

Acting? Without the ‘AI Automation’ learning, Rojun still had shortcomings. As an actor, he lacked the skill to direct other actors. But as a writer, he could. It was a pure ability he had possessed from the start. ‘Rental Lover’ and his other works, including ‘Like a Kaleidoscope’, were proof.

If one had to pinpoint it, Rojun wasn’t criticizing Endo Takuto’s acting ability, but emphasizing the character of ‘Detective Nagai’ that he was portraying.

In any project, it’s not uncommon for the writer or screenwriter to give directions.

However, rookie writers usually stay silent, feeling grateful that their work is even being produced. Rojun had been no different. On both the writer’s and actor’s side, he was still a newcomer by experience. Regardless, Rojun boldly went ahead, and Endo Takuto, the male lead of ‘Like a Kaleidoscope’, had his brain thrown into confusion.

‘……My acting is over the top?’

In his eyes, Kang Rojun was just a rookie, and that rookie had openly criticized him. Regardless, Rojun continued his moment as the writer. He pointed at the scene with his index finger.

“As you probably know, ‘Detective Nagai’ is a character who’s usually full of complaints and doesn’t like being in this situation. Most importantly, he looks down on ‘Murata Sho’.”

Endo Takuto, eyes widened, didn’t reply.

“……”

PD Noguchi Ken and others nearby didn’t stop Rojun, perhaps because they were too taken aback. Rojun continued.

“Also, ‘Detective Nagai’ is a veteran. He wouldn’t lose his temper so easily just because he’s a bit irritated. He knows that would make him look weak. In this cut, instead of getting emotional, it’s more fitting for him to suppress or pressure the ‘Murata Sho’ he looks down on. That’s what his ‘anger’ should be in this scene.”

Just because the script says ‘anger’ doesn’t mean you should start yelling or getting visibly angry. If the actor had thoroughly analyzed the script, they would know that a word’s image alone isn’t enough; an interpretation based on the character’s personality is essential. Isn’t it strange for a character who’s usually composed to suddenly shout?

An actor must continuously ask themselves “why?”

Only through that process can a truly satisfying scene be created.

“But when ‘Detective Nagai’ suddenly raised his voice, it came off as a ‘Look at me, I’m acting!’ tone. I really liked the laid-back tone you had earlier. How about lowering the tone this time and going for a heavy, threatening vibe?”

He sandwiched criticism with a compliment and finished with a suggestion.

Writer Rojun had a look like he had said all he needed to say, and Endo Takuto, clearly flustered by this unfamiliar situation, still managed to respond.

“……Ah, yes. I’ll keep that in mind.”

“Thank you.”

Watching Rojun nodding off while seated, Manager Kim Ki-baek let out a faint laugh under his breath without making it obvious.

‘A masterpiece, truly a masterpiece. Mm- good thing I came. It’s not every day you witness something like this.’

He glanced over at the ‘Vanguard’ YouTube team, who were filming.

‘I’d love to use this footage no matter what, but we’ll probably have to scrap this part. Considering Endo Takuto’s fans and Vanguard’s potential expansion into Japan, unnecessary noise could arise. Anyway.’

He refocused his gaze on Kang Rojun.

‘He didn’t hesitate at all to cut down actors of that caliber… Though he gives off that vibe usually, he’s even more ruthless as a writer.’

He whispered to Ryu Jung-hwa, the Team Leader of Culture Drawer sitting beside him.

“As a writer, is that kind of thing acceptable?”

At some point, the corners of her lips had curved slightly. She looked like she was trying to hold back a smile.

“It’s good. Actually, it’s really fun. A writer should have that level of madness.”

‘She’s got quite the personality too’, Kim Ki-baek thought silently, just as Tom Cavill, with his blue eyes, slowly stroked his chin.

‘Endo Takuto might be feeling insulted, but I agree with Writer Rojun’s direction. Whew, I wish I could let all the Japanese actors hear what he just said.’

At that moment.

“I’m sorry.”

A tense voice rang out across the stiff atmosphere of the reading room. Endo Takuto, face hardened, ran both hands through his long hair.

“PD-nim, I’d like to take a break. I’ll reconsider the character as the writer suggested.”

“…All right. Let’s take a 30-minute break.”

Immediately, Endo Takuto stood up abruptly.

-Swish.

He exited the reading room.

Behind him.

The atmosphere left behind in the reading room after Endo Takuto’s departure was strange. A few actors stood up whispering, some murmured while seated. From time to time, glances were cast toward Kang Rojun, who remained quietly seated, reading his script.

“Is this okay? The atmosphere in the room turned really weird.”

“Should someone go check on Endo sunbae? He’s already someone with a strong sense of pride.”

“I think it’s better not to. Might just pour oil on the fire. Still, Writer Rojun is unexpected.”

“Right? Who would’ve thought he’d direct Endo sunbae so sharply.”

“If we don’t stay sharp, we might be next.”

Some were overwhelmed by Rojun’s writer-level intensity.

“Did you see that acting? It was like he’s been acting for over ten years…”

“It was honestly scary, from his first line. His eyes, expressions, diction, the way he controlled tempo- Are you sure ‘Rental Lover’ was his acting debut? It felt like the acting of someone who’s done dozens of projects.”

“Is it even possible for a writer to have that level of acting skill??”

Some were awed by his presence as an actor.

Meanwhile, Suzuki Rie, who remembered the image of Kang Rojun from ‘Produce That 100!’, thought.

‘He always had a bit of a villain image, didn’t he? But when you add this level of professionalism… he’s kind of cool, actually.’

Her dislike for Rojun gradually faded.

Meanwhile, Endo Takuto, who had stormed out of the reading room, was inside a parked car in the lot, venting his irritation.

“Arrogant bastard!! Directing me??!”

Being singled out as prey in front of all those people made him so furious it was unbearable, and to make matters worse, not a single thing Kang Rojun had said was wrong.

It might even be anger directed at himself.

Endo Takuto, having straightened his disheveled long hair, clenched his molars tightly.

“Just wait. I’ll deliver a performance that leaves mouths hanging open, exactly as you directed.”

He concentrated his bitter irritation into his eyes and mind and forcefully opened the script in his hand. His focus surged higher than ever. In a strange twist, Kang Rojun had lit a fire under Endo Takuto’s previously loose mentality.

Thus, the reading resumed.

The actors and others returned to their seats, and Endo Takuto composed his expression as if he’d never been upset. At this moment, PD Noguchi Ken, who gave off a slightly eerie atmosphere and had taken charge of the reading, opened his mouth.

“Everyone, don’t worry about Endo-ssi. Let’s focus on acting while keeping the characters in mind, just as the writer said.”

The air instantly settled. Soon, PD Noguchi Ken turned his gaze to Rojun.

“Please continue providing high-quality direction.”

For Rojun, it was a welcome invitation. So, shall I take off the leash?

“Yes, PD-nim.”

In fact, PD Noguchi Ken hadn’t just been sitting by idly watching the actors’ performances until now. His usual style was to first observe all the actors’ performances, make notes separately, and then direct based on those notes.

‘But if the writer steps up like that, I have to adjust my style too. And it was a clear piece of direction.’

PD Noguchi Ken was highly regarded even within Japan for his abilities, and he had received a special request from Executive Director Tom Cavill.

‘Don’t get tied down by the Japanese system, don’t rationalize customs. Try to create something as fresh as possible.’

From this point on, the script reading flow of ‘Like a Kaleidoscope’ changed dramatically. First off, Endo Takuto’s acting was completely different from before.

“Whether you’re a pro or whatever, answer the questions properly. Don’t twist things like a snake.”

Immediately, PD Noguchi Ken chimed in with direction.

“Let’s look down on him even more. Treat him like an insect, that level should be about right.”

“…Understood.”

Endo Takuto glared at Kang Rojun like he was a bug, but Rojun was satisfied.

‘Now that’s more like it. Good, good.’

Was it because he felt more at ease? Kang Rojun’s acting became even more intense.

“If you want a response, you’ll have to pay a matching price.”

“Wouldn’t it be better to do it here? If we go to the police station, I won’t be so gentlemanly.”

Thanks to the tense exchange between the two actors, a sense of urgency and crisis spread to the other actors as well. The reading room, which had been somewhat relaxed, became taut.

Thirty minutes, one hour, two hours.

The tension didn’t ease even as time passed, and as the quality of the work visibly rose in real time, Executive Director Tom Cavill’s expression gradually brightened. Something like emotion welled up inside him.

‘Yes, this is exactly what I wanted. We’re going to get something proper out of this.’

Above all, Kang Rojun’s unique and unrivaled presence in the reading room became even more immense.

‘I can already see Japanese fans going crazy over this.’

Late afternoon.

The script reading for ‘Like a Kaleidoscope’ finally ended only after it had grown dark outside. Dozens of people stood and exchanged greetings here and there. The actors did the same. Among them, Endo Takuto gave a small nod to Rojun.

“I’ll see you on shoot day.”

Although Rojun felt something in his eyes.

‘He’s sulking. 100 percent sulking.’

He returned a faint smile.

“Yes, thank you for your hard work today.”

Soon, the GN Entertainment team and the Culture Drawer team gathered around Kang Rojun. Final greetings took a few dozen minutes. Before long, the once-crowded reading room was emptied of actors and production staff alike. Only Kang Rojun and the Netflix Japan side remained.

Executive Director Tom Cavill stood in front of Rojun.

“Writer-nim, thank you so much for your work today.”

His expression was much brighter compared to earlier.

“I’d love to treat you to a meal, but you’re heading straight back to Korea, right?”

Kim Ki-baek, in fairly fluent Japanese, responded on his behalf.

“Yes. We’re flying back on a night flight.”

“That’s a shame. Then let’s wrap things up here.”

Executive Director Tom Cavill locked eyes with Rojun again and asked,

“Vanguard’s debut is on April 5th, right?”

“Yes.”

“Congratulations. I’ve been watching you since ‘Produce That 100!’, so I’m personally very happy. Mm- let me share some internal decisions about ‘Like a Kaleidoscope’ first. We’re thinking of releasing it in two seasons, five episodes each.”

That meant launching it as two sets of five episodes from the total of ten.

“It’ll help us better coordinate the actors’ schedules and allow us to bring the launch date forward as much as possible.”

It looked like Tom Cavill was aiming for fast and efficient execution, and Kang Rojun asked back.

“When do you think my shooting will begin?”

“Whether it’s before or after Vanguard’s debut, we’ll discuss it closely with GN Entertainment. If timing becomes difficult, we’re also considering the option of filming just your scenes in one batch. And also-”

With a deepened smile, Executive Director Tom Cavill continued.

“‘Like a Kaleidoscope’ will also be launched on Netflix Korea.”

That was big news for Korean fans.

About two hours later, Kang Rojun boarded the plane back to Korea after wrapping up the script reading. As he sat in his seat reviewing the day’s events.

“Rojun.”

Manager Kim Ki-baek handed him a stack of papers that weren’t scripts.

“You can go through this and familiarize yourself with it whenever you get a moment.”

It was the storyboard for the music videos of the finalized songs: ‘GreenBee’, ‘Windveil’, and ‘Flying Bell’.

“All the other members have already received theirs.”