I Was Mistaken as a Monstrous Genius Actor

Translator: Dreamscribe

Kang Woojin’s declaration, “I’ll see you at the ‘Academy Awards’”, to over a hundred foreign reporters left them frozen in shock.

“……Ah.”

“Huh-“

“Oh, my.”

“So openly.”

It was truly ‘no backing down’. After his bombshell statement during the Cannes acceptance speech that shook up Hollywood and many other places, one might expect him to show some restraint. But Kang Woojin showed no hesitation at all.

How to put it, to the many foreign reporters, the current Kang Woojin.

‘Mentioning the Academy Awards so casually.’

Looked like a racehorse with no rearview, only running forward. On the other hand, his overwhelming confidence made him come off as a bit arrogant. At that moment, the reporters, who had momentarily frozen, started murmuring amongst themselves.

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

“Is he just fearless, or is he simply naive?”

“Setting aside his audacity, he’s coming across as a little cocky.”

“Well, taking the lead role in ‘Pierrot: The Birth of a Villain’ was impressive, but… isn’t he getting a bit too full of himself?”

Regardless of their reactions.

“……”

Kang Woojin silently gazed at the reporters with his usual detached expression, showing no significant change. His demeanor was beyond calm, it bordered on indifferent. However, his eyes brimmed with certainty. At least, that’s how it seemed to the reporters, though Woojin’s true thoughts were a bit uncertain.

‘Was it too much to bring up the Academy Awards again? The reporters’ reactions seem a bit off. Tsk, whatever. What’s the worst that can happen?’

No matter what, the more than a hundred foreign reporters.

-Pababababak!

They unleashed a barrage of camera flashes on Kang Woojin while frantically typing away on their laptops. Who he was as an actor was a secondary matter for now. Getting the article out came first. The fact that Kang Woojin had mentioned the ‘Academy Awards’ here as well meant that his bombshell statement at Cannes wasn’t just a spur-of-the-moment whim. It signified that he, Kang Woojin, intended to surpass Hollywood’s most prominent actors.

Then.

“Ah- um.”

The female reporter who had asked Woojin a question scratched her head before speaking again.

“Mr. Kang Woojin, is it alright to write the article as you just stated?”

Woojin nodded calmly.

“Of course.”

His tone implied he didn’t mind at all. At this, Director Ahn Ga-bok smiled wrinkled smile. It felt like a ‘he hasn’t changed’ kind of sentiment. On the other hand, the executive producer of ‘Pierrot: The Birth of a Villain’ stared at Kang Woojin with widened eyes.

‘……I understand now why he’s so marketable.’

It was her own form of admiration. Although her time experiencing Kang Woojin was brief, from Cannes to the auditions to today, he always managed to drop bombs and leave a shockwave in his wake. His presence, his aura, was extraordinary.

‘Star power. That unconventional star power- could it be the driving force that brought him this far?’

To the executive producer, Kang Woojin’s raw and unpolished demeanor felt unfamiliar yet refreshing. In Hollywood and the global entertainment industry, top actors are usually presented in a refined and curated form. But Woojin was different.

‘He has enough influence to shake up Hollywood, yet… he’s not polished. Rather, he’s rough and raw. And somehow, that lack of refinement isn’t off-putting. It’s intriguing. He’s an intriguing actor.’

Confidence backed by reason.

That reason was his undeniable skill. The executive producer had witnessed this skill, his extraordinary acting ability, during the auditions, which had been enough to make even someone as towering as Chris Hartnett back off.

After that.

“Mr. Kang Woojin! You know that ‘Pierrot: The Birth of a Villain’ is the starting point of Columbia’s ‘Cinematic Universe’, right? What are your thoughts on that!!”

A barrage of monumental questions was directed at Kang Woojin.

“Was there any memorable moment during the ‘Cinematic Universe’ auditions?!”

“Do you feel confident about the ‘Beast and the Beauty’ auditions?!”

“You mentioned the ‘Academy Awards’ again! Can you elaborate further on that?!”

The topics were wide-ranging.

“Currently, ‘Beneficial Evil’ is gaining significant traction worldwide. How successful do you think it will be?”

“When does filming for ‘Pierrot: The Birth of a Villain’ begin?!”

However, Kang Woojin did not answer all the questions. Since this was a press conference for Columbia Studios, he only responded to questions related to it. The remaining questions on other topics were cut off by the executive producer.

After more than 30 minutes had passed…

The stern-looking producer wrapped up the session with a calm demeanor in front of the hundred or so foreign reporters.

“That will be all for today. Thank you.”

But the reporters, still unsatisfied, continued throwing questions at the ‘Pierrot: The Birth of a Villain’ team and Kang Woojin as they tidied up their positions on the stage. However, Woojin and the production team left the hall without looking back. The barrage of camera flashes ceased, but the reporters remaining in the hall were still reeling from the intense impression left by Kang Woojin’s eccentric charisma.

“Kang Woojin taking on the lead role in ‘Pierrot: The Birth of a Villain’, I still can’t believe it.”

In the unpredictable atmosphere, they began making guesses about the future one by one.

“Do you think… he might actually take on ‘Beast and the Beauty’ as well?”

“No way. If that happens, Kang Woojin will create an unprecedented stir in Hollywood.”

This speculation spread quickly among the reporters.

Meanwhile.

‘Pierrot: The Birth of a Villain’ team, along with Kang Woojin, had just left the hall. Soon, Columbia Studios executives smiled as they spoke to Woojin.

“Your remarks were a bit bold, but thanks to them, ‘Pierrot: The Birth of a Villain’ is going to become a major topic.”

“Hmm. That’s right. You’ve left a strong enough impact.”

Their expressions were satisfied. Of course, the executive producer felt the same. After a brief exchange of pleasantries, only Director Ahn Ga-bok remained standing in front of Woojin. The veteran director extended his hand to Woojin, signaling for a handshake.

“It feels redundant to say, but let’s do our best again. Now that you’ve openly mentioned the ‘Academy Awards’, there’s no turning back.”

With his resolute expression, Kang Woojin replied nonchalantly.

“That was part of the plan from the beginning.”

“Haha, yes, I figured. Still, it’s an honor to be part of that moment with you, not just on any ordinary stage.”

Director Ahn Ga-bok patted Woojin’s shoulder a couple of times before turning to leave. That was when.

“Woojin!”

Someone called out to Kang Woojin from behind. When he turned, he saw Choi Sung-gun hurrying toward him. As he approached Woojin, he leaned in close.

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

He lowered his voice slightly.

“They’ve finalized the date for the audition and screen test.”

The same day, just past noon, at around 2 PM, in LA.

After the grand press conference hosted by Columbia Studios concluded, Kang Woojin was currently inside the moving van.

“……”

He maintained a solemn demeanor but was quite surprised on the inside.

‘Wo- damn, the articles coming out this fast??’

He had been checking foreign media reports. The articles were already flooding in. The hundred or so reporters who had dispersed from the hall were relentlessly churning out shared headlines.

『LA TIMES / The Beginning of the ‘Cinematic Universe’, ‘Pierrot: The Birth of a Villain’, with South Korea’s Kang Woojin Confirmed as the Lead!』

However, this news had already started spreading during the press conference when Woojin had been fielding questions.

『BCN / ‘Pierrot: The Birth of a Villain’, Kang Woojin Who Won the Role Against Formidable Actors Including Chris Hartnet Says – “See You at the Academy Awards”』

Hollywood was abuzz with talk of Woojin. Despite its vastness, Hollywood’s rumors traveled several times faster. Because of that, the global audience was already aware of this issue. Kang Woojin’s name was trending on social media and various international communities.

-What’s this? Are these breaking articles true?

-Wow… Kang Woojin actually won the competition??

-I always thought he had a chance. If you watch Beneficial Evil even once, you’ll understand. His talent is exceptional.

-Is Columbia out of their minds? Entrusting the start of a project they’ve prepared for years to an unproven Korean actor?

-Oh my god!! Kang Woojin beat Chris?!

-He’s not unproven; he won the Best Actor Award at Cannes, didn’t he?

-Cannes is one thing, but in Hollywood, he’s a rookie. That’s why people are saying that.

-This is a bit shocking

.

.

.

.

Upon confirming the situation, Woojin observed the reactions quite deeply.

‘It’s complete chaos. Absolute madness. But it’s still kind of fascinating to hear foreigners saying my name?’

At that moment.

-Buzz.

A short vibration. It was a message. The sender was Kim Dae-young, one of his best friends.

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

For a moment, Kang Woojin tilted his head in curiosity. Then, he realized. Ah, has the news already reached Korea? Well, of course, it makes sense. With all of Hollywood buzzing, it’s only natural that Korea would catch wind of it, too. What was amusing, though, was.

-Buzz.

-Buzz.

-Buzz.

Starting with Kim Dae-young, Woojin’s phone began vibrating nonstop with messages. Unsurprisingly, all the messages were in a similar vein to Kim Dae-young’s. Then.

-Buzz, Buuuzz.

This time, it was a call. The caller ID showed it was his younger sister, Kang Hyun-ah. Woojin answered with a calm tone.

“Yeah.”

Immediately, Kang Hyun-ah’s shrill scream echoed through the phone.

“Oppa!!!! Did you really make it?! For real?! Are you really the lead in Pierrot?!”

Good grief, my ears are going to bleed. Muttering inwardly, Woojin kept his voice as low and composed as possible, aware of the eyes around him.

“Yeah, that’s right.”

“No way!!! This is Amazing!! Amazing!!!! Mom! Dad!! Oppa says it’s true! Oppa got the lead in a Hollywood movie!!”

From the sound of it, his parents were nearby. Shortly after, Hyun-ah’s voice rang out again through the phone.

“This is crazy for real! Oppa in Hollywood…ah! Oppa! Right now, Korea is exploding with news about you!!!”

It was true.

While it was past lunchtime in LA, it was the early morning commute in Korea, and Kang Woojin’s name was dominating headlines everywhere.

In the phones of people waiting for the subways or buses

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

『’Korean Director’, ‘Korean Actor’ Picture Complete in Mega-project Planned by ‘Columbia Studios’…’Hollywood Actor Kang Woojin’/Photos』

『From Rookie to Hollywood Movie Lead in 3 Years, Kang Woojin Racing to Become a True Global Star』

Even on the radios in cars stuck in congested roads, Woojin’s name was being mentioned constantly.

“Wow!! Did you see the news?? Right now, Kang Woojin-ssi has been officially announced as the lead for ‘Pierrot: The Birth of a Villain’ in Hollywood!”

“Right?! I saw the article too, and I got chills! He’s a legend, a legend! The first Korean actor to lead a Hollywood production!!”

“Kang Woojin-ssi! I don’t know if you’re listening to this radio, but congratulations! Really, truly!!”

“Hahaha, I hope he’s listening! Either way, it’s really happening, isn’t it? A Korean director and actor leading a Hollywood production!”

And it wasn’t just one channel, nearly all of them were talking about it. Moreover, morning news broadcasts that signaled the start of the day were all competing to report on Kang Woojin’s success.

=[“We begin the morning with some uplifting news. Actor Kang Woojin, currently in LA, has officially secured his Hollywood debut. He has been confirmed as the lead in the recently auditioned film ‘Pierrot: The Birth of a Villain’. The announcement was made at a press conference hosted by Columbia Studios. This marks the first time a Korean actor has taken the lead in a Hollywood production. This is reporter Kim Seok-man.”]

While the wording of each news segment differed, they all included common terms: Columbia Studios, Cinematic Universe, ‘Pierrot: The Birth of a Villain’, Academy Awards, and so on.

And.

[“With Kang Woojin confirmed as the lead in ‘Pierrot: The Birth of a Villain’, there’s increasing interest in the outcome of the auditions for ‘Beast and the Beauty’, where he’s also a candidate.”]

‘Beast and the Beauty’ was also mentioned frequently. The reason was simple: if Woojin also landed that role, it wouldn’t just be a first for Korea, it would be a first even in the history of Hollywood itself.

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

With the media in such a frenzy, how could the public opinion in Korea be any different?

-!Kang Woojin confirmed as the lead in ‘Pierrot: The Birth of a Villain’! Historic press conference scene!!!｜IssueKingTV

It would not be an exaggeration to say that Kang Woojin had completely taken over the internet.

-Goosebumps… Wow… I mean… Wow…

-ㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ This is insaneㅋㅋㅋㅋ Kang Woojin’s form is seriously unbelievableㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ

-ㅠㅜㅠㅡㅠㅜㅜㅜㅜㅠ Oh my god!! Congratulations, Woojin oppaㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠ

-Wow!!!! The national pride is overflowing!!! Overflowing!!!

-And it’s not a supporting role, it’s a leadㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ After sweeping Cannes, now Kang Woojin is getting ready to dominate Hollywoodㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ

-Who would’ve thought an actor from Korea would land a leading role in Hollywood… Seriously, this is so moving…

-Where did all those idiots go who were saying Kang Woojin is a nobody?ㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ

-This is legendaryㅋㅋㅋㅋ If Kang Woojin even lands ‘Beast and the Beauty’ after this, what the hell is going to happen???

-What’s going to happenㅋㅋㅋㅋ The world’s just going to go crazy, that’s what.

Of course, Kang Woojin’s name was endlessly discussed, not only online but also among people in real life, from the general public to his family, friends, acquaintances, and even the entertainment industry. Actors who had connections with Woojin were also in an uproar.

Most notably, Hwalin, who had recently been fully immersed in fangirling,

“Kyah!!! This is amazing!!”

Others, like Hong Hye-yeon, Ryu Jung-min, and Jin Jae-jun, as well as many others, shared similar reactions. Even domestic directors like Kwon Ki-taek were full of congratulations and exclamations.

This news quickly spread beyond Korea and into Japan as well.

『Incredible! 「Kang Woojin」confirmed as the male lead in the Hollywood film ‘Pierrot: The Birth of a Villain’! A monster is on the loose!』

Without a doubt, this level of attention was not going to subside easily in just a few days.

A few days later, in LA.

It was late morning, and the location resembled a massive amusement park. Among all the film studios in LA, this was the largest, World Disney Pictures. A familiar logo and sculptures stood at the entrance of World Disney Pictures, through which a van had just passed.

The van maneuvered through crowds of tourists.

-Vroom!

It passed stage warehouses, several sets, and enormous buildings before coming to a stop in the parking lot in front of a large, dome-roofed building. Soon, a man with black hair stepped out of the van. With an indifferent expression, he looked up at the building ahead.

‘This place feels less like a film studio and more like another world. Damn, this is fascinating.’

It was Kang Woojin. Following him, Choi Sung-gun and other team members got out of the van as well. Choi Sung-gun placed his hand on Woojin’s shoulder and said.

“Let’s go.”

“Yes.”

Without much reaction, Woojin started walking. Kang Woojin, currently the hottest name in the world, had stepped into World Disney Pictures.

‘Huh- just like always.’

He was here to take part in the audition and screen test for ‘Beast and the Beauty’.