Gentle Visual Acting Genius Chapter 1 - The Villain Genius is Stabbed and Regresses

“Y-you bastard…! Are you even human?!”

 

“Ahhhh!”

 

“Call the police! An ambulance too! Hurry!”

 

Flashes and shutter sounds erupted without pause. The red carpet, which should have been filled with the cheers of fans, was instead overwhelmed by the screams of a madman with a sharp knife.

 

The red carpet was drenched in blood so thick that it was hard to distinguish the spreading crimson.

 

The man lying there stared at the dark red blood pooling around him on the carpet.

 

“Shit… even doing well is bullshit.”

 

Seon Woohyun.

 

At thirty-two years old, he was a seasoned actor marking his tenth year since his debut. Armed with his uniquely fierce looks and insane acting skills, he had become a household name in South Korea with villain roles. 

 

Today is April 2033.

 

He was stepping onto the red carpet as the main antagonist of a special drama for OTBC’s 30th anniversary, a grand production spanning an incredible 50 episodes. He provided such an overwhelming immersion that he heard every kind of insult and hatred from the public for over six months. This was the first time since his debut that he walked the red carpet as a nominee for the grand prize in the drama category at the Heavenly Arts Awards.

 

Despite receiving endless criticism for his insane villain portrayal over the past six months, everyone was convinced that the Heavenly Arts Award grand prize would be his today, which made it easy for him to forgive all that hatred. That was, until he was stabbed by a lunatic who had suddenly stormed onto the red carpet.

 

“You ruined Sooyeon’s life, and you think you have the right to laugh?! Die, you bastard!!!”

 

Sooyeon? Ah, Kim Sooyeon…

 

She was the character he killed in the drama. The sunflower girlfriend who only looked at the protagonist.

 

Hearing the madman’s words, who was being restrained by the bodyguards while frothing at the mouth, Woohyun couldn’t help but chuckle in disbelief.

 

Blood poured from him incessantly, but the absurdity of the situation outweighed the pain.

 

I’m dying right now. 

 

He was stabbed by some lunatic who lost track of reality and became overly immersed in the drama.

 

As this thought crossed his mind, he found himself unable to stop laughing.

 

Even if you act well, you can still die.

 

The voices of his fellow actors and crew calling his name became more distant.

 

Suddenly, an unbearable chill swept over him, and an irresistible drowsiness descended.

 

In that moment before his end, his mind was filled with one emotion.

 

Fear, anger, sadness, regret?

 

No, it was a disappointment.

 

How disappointing.

 

There are so many villain roles I still want to try.

 

If I have another life, I’ll definitely be an actor again.

 

If anyone knew that he had such thoughts up until the moment he died, they would have surely called him crazy.

 

But nobody knew.

 

That’s how he died.

 

 

April 2023.

 

OTBC’s 20th-anniversary special drama <The Punisher: Vigilante>.

 

This drama, featuring some of the finest talents in the broadcasting industry, backed by unprecedented capital, and the appearance of S-class actors, has already ignited excitement not only in the hearts of countless drama enthusiasts but also from the broadcasting industry.

 

The drama is released with a daring total of 36 episodes in the broadcasting industry dominated by mini-series with a length of 12 episodes at most. Investing in a show that takes over the Monday-Tuesday primetime slot for more than a season is a monumental decision for any broadcasting company.

 

Just as the viewers are thrilled with the anticipation, this is also tremendous news for the actors.

 

What does having many episodes mean? It means a larger number of roles for actors to take on.

 

Moreover, <The Punisher: Vigilante> follows a structure similar to American dramas, where each episode unfolds an independent story. This means there will be plenty of new faces appearing in every episode, providing an incredible opportunity for aspiring actors and newcomers eager to make their mark on the public, even if it is only for a short period.

 

For that reason, the atmosphere at the auditions for <The Punisher: Vigilante> couldn’t help but be hot.

 

‘It’s all rigged anyway.’’

 

With eyes as cold as the ice Americano sliding down her throat, writer Woo Heejoo scanned the audition room while flipping through the numerous applications from actors laid out before her.

 

Did those people realize this was a futile effort?

 

The prime roles had long been snatched up by numerous management companies and production houses, all through various forms of lobbying, connections, and nepotism.

 

Just a few months ago, she had burned with the same passion as those rookie actors waiting for their auditions. But the joy and exhilaration she felt when her work was selected as a 20th-anniversary special drama for the network and received enormous investment, had long since faded.

 

Her experience, consisting of a mini-series that had always struggled for viewership ratings and a few one-act plays, meant that she had to face the price of her script being chosen for a special anniversary drama.

 

Despite being the writer of this work, she found herself tossed around by the whims of directors and production company officials who were her seniors in the industry.

 

At least there hadn’t yet been any disasters where the script was chaotically revised due to the actors’ influence, which was a bitter reality to be thankful for.

 

“Ha, this is not going to last long.”

 

Today was the day to select the actor for the role of Geum Hojung, the villain in episode 3, which was one of the most crucial turning points in the flow of the drama. 

 

He was a murderer who brutally killed the housekeeper and covered up the crime, the second son of the Geumseong Group, one of the three major chaebols in the drama.

 

Episode 3 marked the moment when the protagonist decides to do what the law cannot do against those who are above the law, establishing the standards for judging criminals.

 

That’s why she raised her voice, insisting that the actor playing this villain should possess acting skills that could rival the protagonist’s charisma. However…

 

That position had already been snatched up by Yoo Donghyuk, an idol-turned-actor who had worked with the director previously.

 

His acting skills were nothing special, but not unremarkable either, and he had a decent visual presence. So she couldn’t point out any specific flaws to oppose him, leaving her feeling twisted as she judged today.

 

“Writer Woo, I think it’s best to go with the flow. Did I cast someone who can’t act? Since he’s an idol, his fandom is strong, so the response won’t be bad.”

 

“Let’s say that’s true. Then what’s the point of this audition? Those people come here and do all sorts of nonsense. They are wasting their time. Now I feel more sorry towards them, I can’t do it anymore.”

 

“Why are you being so negative? They’re not just here for today. If they leave a strong impression today, they’ll think they could get cast in something else later on. Don’t consider it a waste of time; think of it as scouting actors for your next project.”

 

“Haa…”

 

Director Jung Daeman, accepted her complaints with his typical easygoing tone, thinking that even a rookie writer who is good at writing but completely ignorant of the workings of this world would one day accept this whole situation as a daily routine. 

 

He gestured to the assistant director, signaling the start of the audition.

 

***

 

“We’ll stop here.”

 

“Thank you for your hard work.”

 

“Your voice and diction are good, but your expression is a bit…”

 

“Yes, thank you! I look forward to working with you!”

 

Six hours have passed since the audition for the sake of making up for the situation began. As the number of applicants decreased, the production staff’s repertoire for evaluating their acting gradually ran out. At that moment, the last applicant opened the door and appeared.

 

“Wow, what is this?”

 

Director Jung Daeman let out an exclamation without realizing it, and soon everyone held their breath and tilted their heads at the new applicant.

 

“Hello. I’m applicant number 87, Seon Woohyun.”

 

The first thought that crossed Woo Heejoo’s mind upon seeing applicant number 87, Seon Woohyun, was, ‘Wow, how can someone look so clean?’

 

After experiencing various situations in this industry and thinking she had become immune to good looks, this visual felt like something from a different dimension.

 

It felt like seeing the purest and whitest untouched first snow. It was like the first snow–warm, but so pure and fragile that she was afraid it might crumble if she touched it.

 

“Soft tofu.” 

 

Surprised by her own words that slipped out involuntarily, Woo Heejoo gasped and covered her mouth, while Seon Woohyun, the subject of her remark, smiled innocently and bowed his head.

 

“Haha. Thank you.”

 

Seeing that, Woo Heejoo took another deep breath, but she couldn’t help but tilt her head like the other production team members.

 

After all, this audition was for the role of Geum Hojung, the personification of evil who had the most wicked personality— a third-generation conglomerate who tried to cover up his murderous actions with wealth and power.

 

“Seon Woohyun, you’re 22 and have completed your military service? But your skin is so nice? You were born with it… But you do know what kind of role you auditioning for, right? Do you think you’re a good fit for this role?”

 

Director Jung Daeman, who was the first to regain his composure, looked through the application form and asked. Although the question clearly implied that Seon Woohyun didn’t have the right face for this role, he remained calm as he answered.

 

“You said ‘soft tofu,’ right? I believe that could be my strength in this audition. Perhaps my appearance could be my greatest weapon in securing this role.”

 

“Why do you think that?”

 

As soon as he finished answering, another question followed.

 

However, the person asking was not Director Jung Daeman, but writer Woo Heejoo.

 

Gazing into her eyes, Seon Woohyun responded, and his answer was enough to ignite a spark in her heart.

 

“Because it evokes a sense of betrayal. When the character who seemed completely unlikely to commit such evil acts is revealed as the culprit, the shock and betrayal would be tremendous, don’t you think?”

 

“Betrayal, right, betrayal…!”

 

“That’s interesting. Let’s see the performance you prepared.” 

 

With a glimmer in her eyes, Woo Heejoo seemed to have come up with something, prompting Director Jung Daeman to quickly move the audition along.

 

Since the role was already decided, it was vital to avoid any unexpected disruptions caused by the writer gaining new inspiration.

 

Please, just don’t let him act well!

 

Director Jung Daeman thought to himself as he fixed his gaze on Seon Woohyun, who was taking a breath to begin his designated performance.

 

“Let’s start.”

 

As the performance began,

.

..

…

 

With no applause or cheers escaping, the last audition for <The Punisher: Vigilante> came to an end.

 

It was well past midnight, and the production team, including Jung Daeman, was engaged in a lengthy negotiation with Woo Heejoo, who was swept up in new inspiration and madness due to the performance shown by Seon Woohyun.

 

Despite the unexpected appearance of the loach called Seon Woohyun disrupting their planned early departure to fall apart, no one was irritated.

 

This was because Seon Woohyun’s acting skills were truly exceptional.

 

There was even a sense of unease that the predetermined casting might fall apart.

 

However, Jung Daeman had the heavy responsibility of ensuring that everything unfolded according to plan.

 

“Writer Woo. You know? Geum Hojung has already been confirmed played by Yoo Donghyuk. The script has been passed over to him. No matter how amazing Seon Woohyun is, we can’t change what’s already been set. If Yoo Donghyuk backs out because of this, do you think he’ll be the only one at a loss? Do you know how many of his agency’s actors are involved in our drama?”

 

“Ha… Are you really saying that after watching that performance? Seon Woohyun’s portrayal of Geum Hojung exceeded my conception of the character. But you want to just throw that away?”

 

“Are you saying we’re going to overturn what’s already been decided? Writer Woo, I’m not denying that Seon Woohyun delivered a monstrous performance. But Geum Ho-jung is off the table. Think long-term about your career as a writer, Writer Woo.”

 

“…Then it’s okay as long as it’s not Geum Hojung?”

 

“What?”

 

Just when Jung Daeman thought he had finally succeeded in persuading her, Woo Heejoo’s reaction took a new turn, causing him to close his eyes tightly.

 

At least it was fortunate that Woo Heejoo was starting to create a feasible option to assert her opinion.

 

With eyes sparkling with inspiration and madness, she began jotting down keywords like betrayal and youngest on a scrap piece of paper as she continued speaking.

 

“I can’t accept Seon Woohyun being eliminated after that performance. I’ll create a character that won’t harm the overall narrative or the direction of episode three; rather, it could even enhance it. What do you think?”

 

“As long as it doesn’t have more lines or screen time than Geum Hojung. Just a minor role that’s enough for a memorable impression. Let’s compromise on that.”

 

“That’s more than enough.”

 

“Ha… There’s no going back. This is the final decision. Okay?”

 

“Okay!”

 

Woo Heejoo and Jung Daeman reached a dramatic compromise.

 

At that moment, Seon Woohyun was enjoying a deep sleep, free from any tension or anxiety.

 

***

 

Early in the morning, as a strong vibration shook the small apartment with a strange number flashing on the screen, Seon Woohyun lifted his phone to his ear and pulled his sluggish body up.

 

“Hello. This is Seon Woohyun.”

 

“Hello, Woohyun-ssi. Did you sleep well? This is Woo Heejoo, the writer for The Vigilante.”

 

“Oh, Writer! Hello.”

 

He had thought he would pass, but he didn’t expect the writer to contact him directly. A faint sense of hope rose on Seon Woohyun’s face.

 

This was a different development than his past life.

 

In his previous life, it was the assistant director who contacted him, but this time, it was the writer herself. What else had changed?

 

“There’s good news and bad news… Which one would you like to hear first?”

 

“Hmm, it’s better to get the bad news first. Please tell me the bad news.”

 

“The bad news is… we can’t cast you as Geum Hojung. But I’m really grateful for your application to my work.”

 

Hmm, this was the same as his previous life.

 

Despite the news of his rejection, Woohyun nodded calmly and continued speaking in his usual soft tone.

 

What mattered now was the good news.

 

“Aah… That’s a shame. Haha, but the fact that you told me this personally means you think highly of me, right?”

 

“Of course! Anyway, so… I’ll get straight to the good news. Your performance yesterday was so impressive that I’d like to offer you a role as a new character, not Geum Hojung. The amount of screen time might not be what you expect, but… I’m confident it’s a character that suits you perfectly.”

 

“I’ll take it. Of course, I will!”

 

“Ahh! Really? That’s a relief!”

 

Hearing Woo Heejoo’s joyful exclamation over the phone at Woohyun’s immediate positive response, he couldn’t help but smile softly to himself.

 

‘Shouldn’t I be the one feeling happy in this situation?’ He thought.

 

They exchange congratulations and gratitude filled with joy.

 

“The detailed schedule and script will be sent through your agency… Oh, you don’t have an agency yet, right? Then I’ll send the secure file to the email listed on your application!”

 

“Thank you! I’ll show you a performance that meets your expectations!”

 

“Haha! I’ll be looking forward to it! Oh, by the way, is there anything else you’re curious about?”

 

“Ah, may I ask a question about the character?”

 

“Of course!”

 

“Is the character I’ll be playing a villain?”

 

“Uh, um… it’s not a villain.”

 

“Aah… Is that so?”

 

A hint of disappointment appeared on his face for a moment at her answer, but he was brightened again by her following words.

 

“However, he is indeed an evil character. Would that be an adequate answer?”

 

“Not a villain, but an evil character… Yes, that sounds great. Thank you!”

 

“I’ll be counting on you. See you on set!”

 

“Yes!”

 

The phone call ended with the writer sounding even more excited than the actor, and finally, Woohyun got out of bed, washing his face and meeting his own reflection in the bathroom mirror.

 

His new face looked clear, pure, and even fragile, without a speck of dust.

 

“I never thought I’d get to act with a face like this… I guess getting stabbed in the back was worth it.”

 

Haha!

 

A refreshing and clear laughter echoed, and Woohyun once again contemplated this miraculous event that had occurred in his life.

 

Could it be that the madness he recalled until the very moment of his death was recognized by the heavens?

 

Or perhaps the heavens, overwhelmed by his madness, decided to send him back?

 

Either way, it didn’t matter. What was important was that he had returned to the point of starting his acting career ten years ago.

 

And he had done so with this crazy visual.

 

Woohyun had never considered the face from his previous life to be a complex.

 

Thanks to that face, he had been able to perform the villain roles he loved without restraint.

 

Moreover, he didn’t dislike playing villains.

 

In fact, he wanted to stand at the pinnacle of villainy, and the overwhelming reactions from the audience and critics to his performances made him feel alive.

 

However, it was also true that his extremely definitive villain visual had left him yearning for roles he could not take on, even as a villain.

 

And now, this gentle, tofu-like visual that looked incapable of even killing a bug would solve all of that.

 

In this life, he would take on all the roles he hadn’t been able to before.

 

There were already iconic villain roles popping up in his mind, more than a few.

 

Thus, Seon Woohyun returned as a genius villain with a tofu-like appearance.

 

As he contemplated the new life that lay ahead, a smile filled with ambition appeared on that fair face.

 

The performances he would show with this face were bound to be astonishing.