I was Mistaken as a Monstrous Genius Actor [EN]: Chapter 457

In the United States, the most prestigious film festival in the world is the ‘Academy Awards,’ also known as the ‘Oscars.’ It’s the ultimate goal and dream for filmmakers worldwide, including those in the United States. With over 70 years of history and tradition, even a nomination brings significant attention, let alone a win.

Of course, winning brings far greater glory than just being nominated.

The ‘Academy Awards,’ from nominations to the final awards, are decided by the votes of thousands of ‘members’ from around the globe. After the first round of voting, the ‘Academy Awards’ announces the final nominated works and actors. Then, a second round of voting takes place, culminating in a formal awards ceremony to announce the winners. The ‘members’ include actors, directors, and key staff in various fields, all distributed worldwide.

To receive votes from the ‘members,’ one must meet the ‘Academy Awards’ conditions. The most basic requirement is that the film must be released in a theater in Los Angeles, USA, for at least one week.

There are numerous other conditions, such as the film’s running time.

Through these rigorous and complex processes, selected works and actors get to stand on the ‘Academy Awards’ stage and receive awards. Until now, Korea has never won an award at the ‘Academy Awards.’ Kang Woo-jin is the only Korean actor currently active in Hollywood, and it was rare in the past as well, so this was not surprising. Moreover, the entire Asian region has had a poor showing at the ‘Academy Awards’.

However, since last year, a Korean actor has been frequently mentioned for the first time in the history of the ‘Academy Awards’.

That actor is Kang Woo-jin, who has been causing a sensation in Hollywood.

The reason he suddenly started being mentioned frequently in connection with the ‘Academy Awards’ was the Cannes Film Festival. After Woo-jin received the Best Actor award at Cannes, he mentioned the ‘Academy Awards’ in his acceptance speech, which was watched worldwide. Without hesitation. This was unprecedented, and since the matter had become so significant, the group that organizes the ‘Academy Awards’ could not possibly ignore Kang Woo-jin.

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS).

Moreover, Kang Woo-jin had mentioned the ‘Academy Awards’ in press conferences and interviews after Cannes, and even recently at the ‘Emmy Awards.’ So, within ‘AMPAS,’ which organizes the ‘Academy Awards,’ Kang Woo-jin was extremely well-known.

“Is this the first time a Korean actor has been mentioned this much?”

“That’s right, and it’s also unprecedented for a Korean actor to be so dismissive of the ‘Academy Awards’.”

“Dismissive? Well, his tone is a bit rough, but looking at his mentions from Cannes to the recent ‘Emmy Awards,’ it should be seen as a challenge rather than disregard.”

“That’s a completely different interpretation. From Cannes, Kang Woo-jin treated the ‘Academy Awards’ as if anyone could easily come and go. I don’t think he should even set foot in the ‘Academy Awards’.”

“Well, his image isn’t that good among actors either.”

“In a way, because of his antics, he has properly focused attention, and I feel that this year’s interest is higher than any other year.”

Within ‘AMPAS,’ there were various opinions of Kang Woo-jin: those who openly disliked him, those who were neutral, and those who were positive. There were also those who made quite cold-headed judgments.

“When he mentioned the ‘Academy Awards’ at Cannes, I just saw it as overflowing enthusiasm, but the way he’s rising is unusual. He actually won the Best Actor award at the ‘Emmy Awards.’ For some reason, I feel like he’s going to cause an upset at this year’s ‘Academy Awards’?”

At ‘AMPAS,’ where the first round of work selection had already begun, the talk of Kang Woo-jin was heated. However, they were also just observing for now. In the end, the final nominations for the ‘Academy Awards’ are decided by the votes of the ‘members.’

“Kang Woo-jin has such high expectations and interest that it will also affect the votes of the actor ‘members.’ Even if his acting is decent, he might receive low scores this time.”

“You’re saying that unless his acting is explosive and surpasses expectations, he won’t even be nominated.”

“Looking at the performance he showed at the ‘Emmy Awards’ and the posters and trailers for ‘Clown,’ the visuals are shocking.”

‘Clown: The Birth of a Villain’ hasn’t been released to the world yet, but perhaps the evaluation of Kang Woo-jin had already begun.

“He’s an anticipated character, but his acting must surpass those shocking visuals.”

January 11th, ‘spt Studio’.

A vast set complex built with the world of ‘Beauty and the Beast’ in mind. Among them, a man entered a lavish banquet hall. It was Kang Woo-jin in a skintight suit.

-Swish.

Hundreds of people were watching Kang Woo-jin as he entered the dimly lit banquet hall, which was filled with various patterns on the floor. Director Bill Lautner, wearing headphones and staring intently at the monitor, the actors of ‘Beauty and the Beast,’ including Maria Armas, officials from ‘World Disney Pictures,’ and over a hundred staff members.

Everyone was holding their breath.

“······”

“······”

They watched Woo-jin as the camera angle came in. His outfit was a skintight suit, but unlike in the past, no one was smiling. Everyone was deeply serious. It was partly because they had gotten used to it.

‘That look of expectation and anxiety mixed together, the heaviness of a ‘Beast’ but with cautious steps, rough breathing, stiff but dangerous movements. Now, the special costume is not even visible.’

As Director Bill Lautner, who was glued to the monitor, muttered inwardly, Kang Woo-jin had completely erased the ridiculous feeling by embodying the ‘Beast’ in reality. Now, in the eyes of hundreds of foreigners, Kang Woo-jin was simply the ‘Beast’ in a blue-toned banquet suit.

And then, Kang Woo-jin.

-Swish.

Stopped in front of a piano placed on one side of the empty banquet hall. A white piano with gold accents. Kang Woo-jin, who was currently filled with the ‘Beast’ throughout his body, was somehow anxious. The camera captured Woo-jin’s slightly trembling eyes in a close-up.

‘Can I really be like this?’

Is it okay to spend such enjoyable times? Kang Woo-jin. The ‘Beast’ was living a life that was no different from a terminal one. Even at this moment, his existence was slowly fading. Not as the ‘Beast,’ but as his original self. He was anxious. He was impatient. He was immature. Like a child trembling with fear, he wanted to let out an angry roar right away.

But Kang Woo-jin suppressed his excessive emotions.

A dull breath escaped his lips, but he tried to calmly sit on the piano chair. Due to his heavy build, a creaking sound was heard. In reality, no sound was heard, but it was definitely audible in Kang Woo-jin’s ears. The sounds of people chattering around the banquet hall also brushed past him. It was them. Clocks, teacups, teapots, and so on. Kang Woo-jin’s vision was already ‘Beauty and the Beast’ itself.

“······”

Embarrassment surged, but Kang Woo-jin held it back. Yes, it was all because of her. A woman who suddenly appeared and shook his unfinished heart. It was a desire to show off to her, to ease her tension even a little.

‘No, no. I want to show her that I am human.’

He wanted to show her the scent of a human. Although he looks like a monster now, he was once a human like her. So, don’t be afraid.

-♬♪

Kang Woo-jin, or the ‘Beast,’ began to play. A soft melody spread throughout the banquet hall. It was a performance clearly different from the early ‘Beast,’ and a blonde woman in a pale yellow dress appeared in the banquet hall. Miley Cara. No, it was ‘Beauty Bella.’ She slowly approached the ‘Beast’ sitting at the piano with her blonde hair braided in a single strand. ‘Beauty Bella’ smiled as she placed her hand on his shoulder.

Woo-jin, who made eye contact with her during the performance, did not smile. He awkwardly avoided Cara’s gaze.

But Cara smiled even more brightly and said,

“It’s a beautiful song.”

Several cameras, including one on a crane, filmed the banquet hall. The ‘Beast’ and ‘Beauty’ were captured at once, but with different compositions. Kang Woo-jin’s piano performance became even more intense, and the candles attached to the pillars were lit. The same was true for the chandelier on the ceiling. Cara, who was watching the ‘Beast,’ stood in the center of the banquet hall.

And then.

-Swish.

She began to dance gracefully to the piano music. A soft song was also added. Cara, who was spinning around, pulled Kang Woo-jin, or the ‘Beast,’ who was playing the piano. Woo-jin awkwardly followed her lead. The piano playing stopped, but the music continued to echo in the banquet hall.

-♬♪

Cara was enjoying the dance, and Kang Woo-jin was more cautiously accepting her than dancing. His anxious expression, worried that he might step on her foot or make her fall, was vividly captured by the camera. That went on for about 5 minutes. The song reached its climax, and subtle things began to mix in the exchange of glances between Kang Woo-jin and Cara. Cara was now comfortably expressing her ‘true’ feelings and her feelings as ‘Beauty Bella.’

Her clear blue eyes turned to Kang Woo-jin.

Woo-jin, as the ‘Beast,’ looked at the blonde Cara. He looked at ‘Beauty Bella’ quietly and then murmured softly.

“······Thank you.”

Cara, tilting her head slightly, asked,

“For what?”

“Just, for everything.”

“I’m thankful too.”

What should he do with this woman who was smiling so brightly? The ‘Beast’ was also afraid of this happiness.

“If everything… disappears, I won’t be able to endure it.”

The music continued to play, but Cara’s dance stopped. She stared intently at the exhausted ‘Beast’ and then suddenly.

“It’s okay.”

She hugged him.

“There will be no disappearing.”

Here, the ‘Beast’ and ‘Beauty’ stopped their lines and movements. In the set banquet hall, as if time had stopped, no one opened their mouths. It was at this moment.

“…Cut.”

Director Bill Lautner, who had his headphones hanging around his neck in front of the monitor, stood up and gave the signal.

“OK.”

He then gave the two actors generous applause.

The next morning, ‘World Disney Pictures’ released an official announcement.

『LA TIME/’World Disney Pictures’ says “‘Beauty and the Beast’ wrapped up filming yesterday, it will be a fantastic live-action adaptation”』

The filming of ‘Beauty and the Beast’ was over.

A few days later.

Kang Woo-jin could be found in a small to medium-sized theater. A theater that could accommodate about 100 people. But this was a theater inside ‘Columbia Studio,’ not an external one. Woo-jin’s seat was in the middle.

“······”

Kang Woo-jin’s expression, with his hat pulled down low, was more solemn than ever. His face was full of indifference. But inwardly, he was expressing his amazement at this theater.

‘Wow, crazy, as expected of Hollywood! They’re doing a test screening in a movie theater! What’s with the scale? It’s like a decent Korean theater!’

Is this really Hollywood? Kang Woo-jin tried to suppress his excitement while pretending to be relaxed and crossed his legs. At the same time, he felt a slight sparkle in front of him.

‘Ah, a bald head.’

In the front row sat a bald executive from ‘Columbia Studio.’ Of course, other executives were seated on both sides of him. Kang Woo-jin subtly scanned his surroundings. On the right, Choi Sung-gun with his ponytail was staring at the screen in front of him. His face was serious. On the left, starting with Director Ahn Ga-bok with his wrinkled face, were the general producer Nora Foster, Chris Hartnett, and other actors from ‘Clown.’

Behind them were dozens of key staff and officials.

Everyone had come to see the beginning of the ‘Cinematic Universe.’

That’s right, Kang Woo-jin was currently attending the test screening of the completed ‘Clown: The Birth of a Villain,’ and ‘Joker’ was about to be displayed on the screen. It was the first time Kang Woo-jin’s ‘villain’ was being revealed to the world.

Kang Woo-jin, who was subtly rolling his eyes, also.

-Swish.

Turned his gaze to the screen in front of him. A slight tension swept through his body.

‘Oh, damn, I’m a bit nervous.’

He was anxious. He was worried that the faint sound of his heart beating might be heard in the quiet situation. The more that happened, the more Kang Woo-jin intensely focused on mind control.

‘It’s okay, it’s just another test, right? Calm down. It’s just that the place is really big. Yeah, that’s right.’

Director Ahn Ga-bok, with his arms crossed, glanced at Woo-jin, who showed no change in expression.

‘He’s composed, there’s no reason for him to be anxious. I hope he likes the ‘Joker’ I’ve completed.’

Chris Hartnett was also looking at Kang Woo-jin’s face before turning his gaze back to the front.

‘Oh, it seems like I’m the only one who’s nervous. If he’s so calm, I shouldn’t be nervous.’

It was when he let out a long sigh.

-Swoosh.

The lights in the entire theater went dark. Then, as the video was displayed on the black screen in front, the sound boomed.

-[“Kekekeke! Hahahaha, hahahahaha!”]

The loud laughter of a man echoed. The screen first showed the face of a flustered Chris, or reporter ‘Robert Franklin.’ The back of a red head was also displayed in the same angle. The bizarre laughter intensified, and the classical music that was playing softly gradually grew louder.

-♬♪

The classical song was playing in a common restaurant, and another face appeared on the screen that was showing the reporter ‘Robert Franklin’ with a strange expression.

-[“Hehehehe, hahahaha kekekek!”]

Wet-looking, swaying red hair, a pale face, a long, torn red lip, a red jacket and pants, mismatched socks. It was the ‘Joker’ laughing wildly. Reporter ‘Robert Franklin’ asked him.

-[“······W, why are you laughing all of a sudden?”]

The ‘Joker,’ or Kang Woo-jin, waved his hand.

-[“Kekekek, oh, sorry, sorry, friend.”]

This time, the ‘Joker’s’ front bust was shown in an angle that included the back of the reporter’s head. He kept laughing while taking a long drag from his cigarette. His appearance was that of a madman, but with the laughter included, he just looked like a monster. The ‘Joker’ pointed upwards with his index finger.

-[“I have a memory associated with this song. It reminded me of that time.”]

Suddenly, the screen showing the ‘Joker’ changed abruptly. The color faded to black and white. Inside a pizza place covered in flour, a heavy lump of meat was lying on the floor, surrounded by liquid.

And.

-[“······”]

‘Henry Gordon’ was drawing a torn smile with that liquid. The classical music playing here was the same song as in the restaurant earlier.

-♬♪

The song gradually grew louder. It echoed throughout the theater. Then, the screen gradually turned black, and the title appeared in the center of the black screen.

– ‘Clown’

It was a title with a rough feeling in white. Below it was a subtitle.

– ‘The Birth of a Villain’

At this point, all the foreigners gathered in the theater.

‘······That’s killer.’

They couldn’t help but be captivated by the ‘Joker’.