I was Mistaken as a Monstrous Genius Actor [EN]: Chapter 400

Kang Woo-jin’s declaration to over a hundred foreign reporters, ‘See you at the Academy Awards,’ once again froze the journalists in their tracks.

“Ah…”

“Huh-”

“Oh, my.”

“So openly.”

It was truly ‘no turning back.’ After his bombshell acceptance speech at Cannes, which caused a stir in Hollywood and elsewhere, one might expect him to be more cautious, but Kang Woo-jin showed no hesitation.

To the numerous foreign reporters, Kang Woo-jin now seemed like someone who:

‘Mentions the Academy Awards so casually.’

He appeared like a racehorse running only forward, with no thought of retreat. Conversely, his confidence made him seem slightly arrogant. The reporters, who had been momentarily stunned, began to murmur among themselves.

“Again? He’s talking about the ‘Academy Awards’ again?”

“Is he incredibly bold, or just naive?”

“Beyond being bold—he seems a bit cocky.”

“Yeah, landing the lead in ‘Pierrot: Birth of a Villain’ is impressive, but… isn’t he getting ahead of himself?”

Regardless of their opinions.

“······”

Kang Woo-jin’s indifferent face, as he calmly observed the reporters, showed little change. He was beyond calm, almost nonchalant. However, his eyes were full of conviction. Of course, that was how he appeared to the reporters; inside, Woo-jin was a bit unsure.

‘Was mentioning the Academy Awards again a bit much? The reporters’ reactions don’t seem too great. Tsk, whatever. It’s not like I’m going to die, right?’

Whatever the case, all the hundred-plus foreign reporters.

-Flash! Flash! Flash!

While flashing their cameras at Kang Woo-jin, they were also rapidly typing on their laptops. What kind of actor he was was secondary. Right now, getting the story out was the priority. The fact that Kang Woo-jin mentioned the ‘Academy Awards’ here as well meant that his bombshell declaration at Cannes wasn’t just a passing fancy. He, Kang Woo-jin, intended to surpass all the top actors in Hollywood.

Then.

“Ah- um.”

The female reporter who had asked Woo-jin a question on the podium scratched her head and spoke again.

“Mr. Kang Woo-jin, is it okay if we write the article as you’ve stated?”

Woo-jin, unfazed, nodded.

“Of course.”

His tone suggested he didn’t care at all. In response, Director Ahn Ga-bok wore a wry smile. He thought, ‘He’s still the same.’ Conversely, the executive producer of ‘Pierrot: Birth of a Villain’ was staring at Kang Woo-jin with wide eyes.

‘…I see why he’s so popular.’

It was her own form of admiration. Her experience with Kang Woo-jin had been brief, from Cannes to this audition and now today. He always dropped shocks and bombshells on the world. His presence, his aura, was extraordinary.

‘Star power. Is that unconventional star power—the driving force that brought him this far?’

The raw, unfiltered version of Kang Woo-jin was both unfamiliar and novel to the executive producer. Usually, top actors, including those in Hollywood, are presented to the world in a polished form. But Woo-jin was different.

‘He has the influence to shake up Hollywood… yet he’s not smooth. Rather, he’s rough and unrefined. But somehow, that’s not unlikable? It’s strange. He’s a strange actor.’

Arrogance with a reason.

It was his skill. The producer had witnessed his incredible acting ability during the audition, the skill that had made a huge Hollywood actor like Chris Hartnett give up.

After that.

“Mr. Kang Woo-jin! You must know that ‘Pierrot: Birth of a Villain’ is the starting point of Columbia’s ‘Cinematic Universe’! What are your thoughts on that!!”

An avalanche of questions poured down on Kang Woo-jin.

“Is there anything memorable from the ‘Cinematic Universe’ audition?!!”

“Are you confident about the ‘Beast and Beauty’ audition!!”

“You mentioned the ‘Academy Awards’ again! Could you elaborate on that a bit more?!!”

The topics varied.

“‘Beneficial Evil’ is doing exceptionally well worldwide right now, how successful do you think it will be!”

“When will filming for ‘Pierrot: Birth of a Villain’ begin!”

However, Kang Woo-jin didn’t answer all the questions. Currently, it was a press conference for ‘Columbia Studios,’ and he only answered questions related to that. The executive producer cut off the other topics.

After more than 30 minutes had passed?

The producer, who had a rather stern impression, calmly wrapped things up with the hundred-plus foreign reporters.

“We’ll conclude here, thank you.”

However, the reporters, seemingly still unsatisfied, continued to throw questions at the ‘Pierrot: Birth of a Villain’ team and Kang Woo-jin as they cleared the stage. But Woo-jin and the production team left the hall without looking back. The explosive flash of cameras ceased. The reporters left in the hall were still reeling from the lingering aftereffects of Kang Woo-jin’s eccentricity.

“Kang Woo-jin is taking on ‘Pierrot: Birth of a Villain’—I still can’t believe it.”

Faced with an unpredictable situation, they began to speculate about the future.

“Could it really be… that he’ll also land ‘Beast and Beauty’?”

“No way. If that happens, Kang Woo-jin will truly be causing an unprecedented incident in Hollywood.”

That spread quickly among the reporters.

Meanwhile.

The ‘Pierrot: Birth of a Villain’ team and Kang Woo-jin, who had just left the hall. Soon, executives from ‘Columbia Studios’ smiled and said to Woo-jin.

“Your comments were a bit strong, but thanks to that, our ‘Pierrot: Birth of a Villain’ will become a huge topic.”

“Hmm. That’s right. It’s left quite an impact.”

They looked satisfied. Of course, the executive producer was the same. Soon, after exchanging brief greetings, only Director Ahn Ga-bok remained in front of Woo-jin. The veteran Ahn Ga-bok extended his hand to Kang Woo-jin, requesting a handshake.

“It feels a bit redundant, but let’s give it our all once more. Now that you’ve openly mentioned the ‘Academy Awards’ like this, there’s no turning back.”

Kang Woo-jin, with a firm expression, replied nonchalantly.

“It was always the plan.”

“Haha, yes. I knew it. Still, I’m honored to be able to share that moment with you, instead of just being a stepping stone.”

Director Ahn Ga-bok also patted Woo-jin’s shoulder a couple of times before turning away. It was then.

“Woo-jin!”

Someone called out to Kang Woo-jin from behind. Turning around, he saw Choi Sung-gun with his ponytail, approaching quickly. He came up to Woo-jin.

“I just got a call from ‘World Disney Pictures.'”

He lowered his voice slightly.

“The audition and screen test date has been confirmed.”

The same day, around 2 PM, past noon. In LA.

After the press conference that ‘Columbia Studios’ had grandly held, Kang Woo-jin was in a van on the move.

“······”

He maintained a solemn demeanor, but inside, he was quite surprised.

‘Wow- seriously, the articles are breaking this fast??’

He had been monitoring the foreign news. The articles were already flooding in. The hundred-plus reporters who had been scattered in the hall were all releasing the same articles like crazy.

『LA TIME/’Pierrot: Birth of a Villain,’ the Beginning of the ‘Cinematic Universe,’ the Lead is Confirmed to be Korean Actor Kang Woo-jin!』

However, this news had already been spreading since Kang Woo-jin was in the middle of answering questions at the press conference.

『BCN/’Pierrot: Birth of a Villain,’ Kang Woo-jin Wins the Battle Against Top Actors Like Chris Hartnett, Says “See You at the Academy Awards”』

Right now, Woo-jin’s story was rampant in Hollywood. Although Hollywood was vast, the rumors spread several times faster. Thanks to that, the overseas public was already aware of this issue. Kang Woo-jin’s name was trending on various overseas communities, including social media.

-What? Are the articles breaking now true?

-Wow…. Kang Woo-jin really won the battle??!

-I thought it was possible enough, everyone will understand if they watch Beneficial Evil once, he is good at acting

-Is Columbia crazy? They’re entrusting the start of a project they’ve been preparing for years to an unproven Korean actor

-OMG!! Kang Woo-jin beat Chris?!!

-He’s proven, he won Best Actor at Cannes, right?

-Regardless of Cannes, he’s a newbie in Hollywood, that’s why they’re saying that

-I’m a little taken aback

·

·

·

·

Woo-jin, having confirmed this, carefully examined the reactions.

‘It’s a mess, a total mess. But it’s still a bit strange to hear foreigners saying my name, you know?’

At that moment.

-Buzz.

A short vibration. It was a text. It was from Kim Dae-young, one of his childhood friends.

-Kim Dae-young: Hey, did you get the lead in that Pierrot thing??!!!

For a moment, Kang Woo-jin tilted his head. Then he realized. Ah, has it already been reported in Korea? Well, with Hollywood buzzing like this, there’s no way Korea wouldn’t know. What was interesting was.

-Buzz.

-Buzz.

-Buzz.

Starting with Kim Dae-young, Kang Woo-jin’s phone was ringing non-stop. Of course, they were all similar to Kim Dae-young’s message. Then.

-Buzz, Buzz.

This time it was a call. The caller ID showed his younger sister, Kang Hyun-ah. Kang Woo-jin answered indifferently.

“Yeah.”

Soon, Kang Hyun-ah’s shriek was heard from the other side of the phone.

“Oppa!!!! Did you pass?! For real?!! Is it really true that you’re the lead in ‘Pierrot’?!!”

‘My ears are going to burst, you brat.’ Woo-jin muttered internally, lowering his voice as much as possible, aware of the people around him.

“Yeah, that’s right.”

“OMG!!! Awesome!! Awesome!!!! Mom! Dad!! Oppa says it’s true! Oppa got the lead in that Hollywood movie!!”

It seemed that Woo-jin’s parents were around Kang Hyun-ah. Then, Kang Hyun-ah shouted again from the other side of the phone.

“This is crazy! Oppa’s Hollywood debut… Ah! Oppa! There’s a flood of news about you in Korea right now!!!”

It was indeed the case.

While it was past lunchtime in LA, it was early morning on the way to work in Korea, and Kang Woo-jin’s name was popping up everywhere.

In the articles on people’s phones as they waited for the subway or bus.

『[Official] ‘Kang Woo-jin’ Confirmed as Lead in ‘Pierrot: Birth of a Villain’!』

『’Columbia Studios’ Large-Scale Project, ‘Korean Director,’ ‘Korean Actor’ Picture Completed… ‘Hollywood Actor Kang Woo-jin’/Photo』

『From 3 Years in the Industry to the Lead in a Hollywood Movie, Kang Woo-jin is Rapidly Becoming a Global Star』

Even on the radio in cars stuck in traffic, Woo-jin was being mentioned non-stop.

“Wow!! Did you see the articles?? Right now, in Hollywood, it’s been announced that Kang Woo-jin has been confirmed as the lead in ‘Pierrot: Birth of a Villain’ in real-time!!”

“Wow- I know! I got goosebumps when I saw the article! He’s a legend, a true legend! The first Korean actor to lead a Hollywood production!!”

“Mr. Kang Woo-jin! I don’t know if you’re listening to this radio! But congratulations, really, truly!!”

“Hahaha, I hope he’s listening! Anyway, it’s really complete now, right? A Korean director and actor leading a Hollywood production!”

Of course, it wasn’t just one channel, but almost all of them. Moreover, the news from various broadcasting stations that announced the morning also reported on Kang Woo-jin’s power.

=[“We start with some good news this morning. Actor Kang Woo-jin, who is currently in LA, has confirmed his Hollywood debut. He has been chosen as the lead in the movie ‘Pierrot: Birth of a Villain,’ which recently held auditions. The announcement was made at a press conference held by ‘Columbia Studios.’ Kang Woo-jin is the first Korean actor to take on a lead role in a Hollywood production, here’s reporter Kim Seok-man.”]

Each news report had different wording, but they all included common words. ‘Columbia Studios,’ ‘Cinematic Universe,’ ‘Pierrot: Birth of a Villain,’ ‘Academy Awards,’ etc.

And.

=[“With the confirmation of Kang Woo-jin as the lead in ‘Pierrot: Birth of a Villain,’ attention is also focused on the ‘Beast and Beauty’ audition, for which Mr. Kang Woo-jin has been confirmed as a candidate.”]

‘Beast and Beauty’ also appeared frequently. The reason was simple. If Woo-jin were to land ‘Beast and Beauty’ as well, it would be unprecedented, not just in Korea, but even in the history of Hollywood.

『Kang Woo-jin, Confirmed as Lead in ‘Pierrot: Birth of a Villain,’ Mentions Academy Awards Again』

With the media and numerous outlets in this state, what was the public opinion in Korea?

-!Lead in ‘Pierrot: Birth of a Villain’ Confirmed as Kang Woo-jin! Historic Press Conference Scene!!!｜Issue King TV

It was safe to say that Kang Woo-jin had taken over the internet.

-Goosebumps… wow… no… wow…

-ㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋCrazyㅋㅋㅋㅋKang Woo-jin’s form is insaneㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ

-ㅠㅜㅠㅡㅠㅜㅜㅜㅜㅠHoohoohoohong!! Congratulations, Oppa Woo-jinㅠㅠㅠㅠㅜㅠㅜ

-Kyah!!!! National pride is rising!!

-Not even a supporting role, but the leadㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋKang Woo-jin, who swept Cannes and is preparing to dominate Hollywoodㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ

-To think that an actor from Korea would get a lead role in Hollywood… I’m seriously overwhelmed…

-Where are all the jerks who were saying Kang Woo-jin was trash?ㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ

-This is crazyㅋㅋㅋㅋIf Kang Woo-jin gets Beast and Beauty here too, what’s going to happen???

-What do you mean what’s going to happenㅋㅋㅋㅋIt’s going to be chaos

Of course, Kang Woo-jin was constantly on people’s lips. From the public to his family, friends, acquaintances, and even the entertainment industry. Actors who had connections with Woo-jin were also in an uproar.

Starting with Hwa-rin, who had recently become even more obsessed with him.

“Kyaa!!! I’m so happy!!”

Hong Hye-yeon, Ryu Jung-min, Jin Jae-joon, and many others. Many directors in Korea, including Director Kwon Ki-taek, had the same reaction. There was an abundance of congratulations and exclamations.

This news quickly spread beyond Korea to Japan.

『Amazing! “Kang Woo-jin” Confirmed as Lead in Hollywood Movie ‘Pierrot: Birth of a Villain’! A Monster is Rampaging!』

It was definitely not a fire that would easily die down in a few days.

A few days later, in LA.

It was late morning. A place that resembled a colossal amusement park, boasting the largest scale among LA film studios. It was ‘World Disney Pictures.’ A van had just passed through the entrance of ‘World Disney Pictures,’ where the familiar logo and sculptures were erected.

The car passed by numerous tourists.

-Vroom!

It passed through a stage warehouse, past various sets and huge buildings, and stopped in a parking lot in front of a large building with a rounded ceiling. Soon, a black-haired man got out of the van. He looked at the building in front of him with an indifferent face.

‘This place is really like a different world, not just a film studio, it’s so amazing.’

It was Kang Woo-jin. Then, Choi Sung-gun and the team members followed behind him, and Choi Sung-gun grabbed Woo-jin’s shoulder and said.

“Let’s go.”

“Yes.”

Woo-jin, nonchalantly moving his feet. Kang Woo-jin, currently the hottest person in the world, had stepped into ‘World Disney Pictures.’

‘Hoo- just like always.’

He had come to take the ‘Beast and Beauty’ audition and screen test.