I was Mistaken as a Monstrous Genius Actor [EN]: Chapter 463

-I came to see ‘Pierrot,’ but there are so many people at this theater! They said the pre-release schedule was sold out for over a week, so I guess all those people are here!

-Oh, was that movie having a pre-release today? But why are people going to see it? They’ll regret it.

-Movies that create a lot of hype and curiosity usually end up being disappointing. That’s why I’m not going to watch it.

-Why are people going to see such a movie? Isn’t it a waste of money?

-Even if I curse Kang Woo-jin, I want to see it and then curse him.

-He took Miley from me. I’ll curse him for life.

-Regardless of whether the movie is good or not, it’s unlikely that Kang Woo-jin will win an Oscar. His image is already ruined, so will the judges look favorably on him?

-I respect Columbia’s challenges, but the result? Well, unless the work is truly outstanding, the Academy will probably prioritize their pride.

-Will the members of the global Oscars favorably evaluate Kang Woo-jin’s acting? He’ll just become a laughingstock.

This was the situation on ‘Nedit,’ the world’s most famous online community, an hour before the first screening of ‘Pierrot.’ Even without someone dropping a bait, it was burning fiercely. Of course, the topic was Kang Woo-jin and ‘Pierrot: Birth of a Villain.’ Just a week ago, there were some who supported the work or Woo-jin, but in the past few days, negative reactions had become the majority.

Especially after the dating rumors between Kang Woo-jin and Miley Cara broke out, it got even worse.

-How could he focus on acting while dating Miley Cara?

-Maybe Chris Hartnett, who co-starred with him, will be more noticeable than Kang Woo-jin.

There were comments that just threw out curses, but there were also comments that evaluated Kang Woo-jin with a somewhat cold judgment. Whatever it was, the common point of all reactions on various overseas communities, social media, and YouTube was one thing.

‘Pierrot: Birth of a Villain’ would not be invited to the ‘Academy Awards.’

Whether it was ‘Columbia Studio’s’ ‘Cinematic Universe’ or a challenge, or whether Kang Woo-jin was aiming for the ‘Academy Awards’ or not.

-If Pierrot isn’t nominated for an Academy Award in the first place, nothing will happen.

If the ‘Academy Awards’ didn’t give ‘Pierrot’ a pass, a confirmation of nomination, then everything so far would be in vain. However, the intense negative reactions from the global public were not just their own atmosphere.

The same was true in various places in Hollywood.

Many people in Hollywood, besides directors and actors, also focused on Kang Woo-jin with the news of the pre-release of ‘Pierrot: Birth of a Villain.’ Having seen his various moves and the miracle of the ‘Emmys’ [Primetime Emmy Awards], there were those who openly acknowledged Woo-jin, but there were also many who denied him.

Because they were uncomfortable with unfamiliarity.

Because they were afraid of change.

Because they tried to deny their anxiety.

Because they couldn’t break their stubbornness that had become stagnant and rotten.

Hollywood, which was so vast and had a long tradition. It expressed individuality and freedom, but on the other hand, there were also parts that showed a stubborn closed-mindedness. In Hollywood, where so many diverse beings and big shots resided, Kang Woo-jin was, in a way, a mutant.

A mutant with no data, doing things that no one had ever done before as if it were nothing.

So, it was only natural that there were those who hated him.

“It seems the pre-release of ‘Pierrot’ starts today. No wonder the articles are so noisy. What do you think will happen?”

“If expectations are this high, it’ll be hard to satisfy them. Among the sold-out audience, there will be more people who are out to get Kang Woo-jin than those who are fans.”

“Yeah- I guess there will be more negative reviews than positive ones? Kang Woo-jin has been too noisy in a short period.”

“It would have been better if he had taken some time after the miracle of the ‘Emmys.'”

The mutant that had dropped into Hollywood didn’t give the existing residents time to adapt, and the residents disliked or hated the sight of the mutant running wild with a near-miraculous success.

No, the residents expressed that they hated the mutant, but in fact, they were afraid.

If the long-established traditions and systems changed, they might also be harmed. Of course, there were people who noticed this. Miley Cara was among them.

“The atmosphere in Hollywood regarding ‘Pierrot’ isn’t very good.”

“They’re scared, of Kang Woo-jin, a type they’ve never seen before. Fair criticism? Hah, that’s a joke. They’re just trembling with fear. But it won’t matter to Kang Woo-jin. He won’t stop even if someone or everyone points fingers at him. Without even changing his expression.”

No matter what the world, Hollywood’s media, or public opinion said, time ticked by. It was now 30 minutes before the first screening of ‘Pierrot: Birth of a Villain.’ Therefore, in front of a multiplex movie theater in downtown LA, which had been overflowing with people since an hour ago, a spectacle was unfolding.

“This is in front of the movie theater. Today, ‘Pierrot: Birth of a Villain’ is the only movie being screened at this large theater, but as you can see, the theater is overflowing with numerous audience members.”

Minivans with various news broadcasting team logos gathered. Smelling the issue, heated coverage was underway. At least five broadcasting teams were filming the situation at the movie theater, and dozens of press reporters were also busy clicking their camera shutters. They were taking pictures of hundreds of audience members or Kang Woo-jin in the huge billboard at the entrance of the movie theater.

Some foreign audience members were amazed by this.

“Wow- I’ve never seen anything like that before.”

“I know, right? The movie just had a pre-release, and there are even news teams here?”

“Is it because it’s not a normal situation? ‘Pierrot’ has had so many issues.”

That was the answer. ‘Pierrot: Birth of a Villain’ was full of newsworthy topics that would sell very well. But more than anything, what attracted the interest of the press was.

“Kang Woo-jin’s influence is definitely amazing.”

“It’s incredible. Whether it’s negative or positive, he can gather that many audience members and press.”

“Even the top stars in Hollywood would have a hard time doing this.”

Kang Woo-jin was at the center of this extraordinary situation. As this frenzy was overflowing, foreign audience members were gradually filling the largest theater inside the movie theater, which could easily hold over 400 people. The audience members, holding popcorn and drinks, chatted comfortably as they found their seats.

The level of interest varied.

“I’m finally seeing this movie! I can’t tell you how much I’ve been looking forward to it!”

“You like it that much? I’m just so-so about Kang Woo-jin.”

“What are you talking about! He’s a really great actor! I’ve seen almost all of his works, and even though there are some I haven’t seen, his acting in each work is spine-chilling. His recent ‘Beneficial Evil’ was also really fun.”

There were also real fans of Kang Woo-jin.

“I saw that too, but it’s a bit hard to imagine how his character will be in this work. The media also said that the trailer was too intense, so the actual movie might be boring.”

“Don’t worry, it’ll be fun! More than that, you didn’t throw away your ticket, did you? You have to keep it as a souvenir. This pre-release is on a different level than the official release!”

There were also many audience members who criticized or were out to get Kang Woo-jin.

“Let’s see how great of a work he’s made.”

“That’s right, it shouldn’t just be moderately fun. Otherwise, it’ll be hard for him to even get nominated for the ‘Academy Awards,’ which Kang Woo-jin is ignoring.”

“Haha, that’s absolutely impossible.”

“Looking at the audience, it seems like there are a lot of people like us?”

“Kang Woo-jin went too far.”

Or to be clear, it was more than half of the 400+ audience members. They were openly negative, or ambiguous but still thought Kang Woo-jin was not good. Whatever their feelings were, the large auditorium was steadily filling up.

Meanwhile, Koreans were also noticeable.

“Wow- is this huge auditorium really filling up? It’s crazy.”

Hong Hye-yeon, Ryu Jung-min, and Director Kwon Ki-taek’s group had already taken their seats.

“Since it’s been sold out for over a week, and today is the first screening of the pre-release, everyone will be here without exception. Still, it’s amazing.”

“It’s beyond amazing, oppa [term of endearment for an older brother or male friend]. When I looked at the entrance earlier, there were so many press teams. Kang Woo-jin is really a huge hit in Hollywood, isn’t he?”

“Isn’t that a given? He’s the ‘Emmy’s’ Best Actor. He’s already a ‘World Star’ too.”

“I know, director. It’s just that I’m surprised because I’ve always seen him in articles and now I’m seeing it in person. By the way, should we say hello to Professor Shim Han-ho over there?”

“After the movie, how can we go now when it’s so crowded.”

And in seats a little further away from them was the top Korean actor Shim Han-ho. Shim Han-ho and Oh Hee-ryung, and other members of the ‘Leech’ family. It was understandable. The director of ‘Pierrot’ was Director Ahn Ga-bok. Looking closely, there were quite a few Koreans among the hundreds of audience members. There were employees of BW Entertainment and ordinary people.

And.

“Oh my- are all these foreigners here to see our Woo-jin?”

Of course, Kang Woo-jin’s family was also seated. Kang Woo-cheol, Seo Hyun-mi, and Kang Hyun-ah were already very excited.

“I can’t believe it even though I’m seeing it. All these people, and Woo-jin appearing on that huge screen.”

“Hyun-mi, this is a moment of emotion. You need to pull yourself together.”

“You’re the one who needs to stop shaking your leg.”

“…How can I not when I’m nervous?”

“Dad, Mom! Did you see Ryu Jung-min and Hong Hye-yeon over there??”

“I saw them, you brat. Shim Han-ho is there too.”

“Wow!!”

It was because they had come to Hollywood for the first time, where their son was active. As parents, how could they express this incredible moment in words? Fortunately, the foreigners around them didn’t understand the insults against Kang Woo-jin. It was in English.

Then it happened.

-Swoosh.

The bright lights of the movie theater seemed to dim slightly, and then it went completely dark, and the decibel level of the noisy auditorium dropped significantly. Only the sound of popcorn crunching could be heard. At this, everyone from the hundreds of foreigners to Kang Woo-jin’s family stared at the huge screen in front of them.

The screen was still dark.

But soon, a video was displayed on the screen. At the same time, sound also rang out. The sound of a lighter being lit, and a cigarette being lit with the lit lighter. Along with the crackling noise, various logos appeared on the screen. The end was the logo of the world-famous ‘Columbia Studio.’

Then.

-[“Hoo-“]

Along with the sound of exhaling cigarette smoke, a person appeared on the screen that hundreds of people were watching. Chris Hartnett. That is, the reporter ‘Robert Franklin.’ The background was a common restaurant.

-[“……”]

The angle caught the back of his red head, and in the remaining space, the front face of the reporter ‘Robert Franklin’ was displayed. Cigarette smoke was blown onto his face, and suddenly a loud, eerie laughter filled the auditorium.

-[“Hehehe! Hahahaha, hahahahaha!”]

Along with the booming laughter, a faint classical music started playing. At this time, the person on the screen changed abruptly. His figure filled the huge screen.

A man with wavy red hair, a pale face, a long, torn mouth, and a cigarette in his mouth.

-[“Hehehe, hahahaha kekeke!”]

‘Joker.’ No, it was Kang Woo-jin. At his impactful appearance.

“Huh-”

“!!!”

“……Ugh.”

Several foreign audience members unconsciously groaned. But the movie didn’t stop, and Woo-jin’s laughter became even more intense. The first line was from the reporter ‘Robert Franklin.’

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

The angle changed to ‘Joker.’ He took another drag of his cigarette and then exhaled. With the cigarette in his mouth, he swept his red hair back with both hands. By this point, the concentration of hundreds of audience members had soared. Because of Kang Woo-jin’s terrifying face, his subtle expression in his eyes was so vivid.

-[“Kekeke, oh, sorry, sorry, friend. There’s a memory associated with this song. It reminded me of that time.”]

As soon as Woo-jin’s line ended, the classical music that was playing became several times louder.

-♬♪

Then, the face of ‘Joker’ on the screen was zoomed in. His face and attire were colorful. But in an instant, Kang Woo-jin, who had filled the screen, disappeared, and a black and white image appeared where the colors had been. The classical music was at its peak, and in the black and white screen, ‘Henry Gordon’ was looking at a broken mirror. The angle of the screen that was showing his back changed.

It was as if ‘Henry Gordon’ was looking at hundreds of audience members, not the mirror.

The mirror itself became the angle, showing ‘Henry Gordon’ in black and white. He was drawing something near his lips. A ‘smile’ hooked on his ears to always show the same appearance. His expression twisted subtly. Was he smiling? Was he annoyed? What was it? The atmosphere, which was hard to grasp, overwhelmed the audience.

Soon, a tear trickled down from one eye of his that filled the screen.

At this moment, none of the hundreds of audience members.

“……”

“……”

There was no one who was breathing properly.