I Was Mistaken as a Monstrous Genius Actor

Translator: Dreamscribe

Chris Hartnett, who had been watching TV, suddenly froze with his brown eyes wide open. It was a rare sight to see such shock from a Hollywood superstar like him. He even dropped the potato chip he was about to eat onto the floor.

“……Huh? What- did you say?”

His gaze was locked on Kang Woojin on the TV.

“Really? For real?”

His face was one of pure shock. And it was understandable. Kang Woojin, who had appeared on America’s number-one-rated show, the ‘Jamie Show’, had just made an explosive announcement out of nowhere.

-[“No, I’m not a candidate actor. I’ve been confirmed for the ‘Beast’ role.”]

Since the news had been made public, it had been the most hotly debated topic among global audiences. Kang Woojin, one of the candidate actors, declared that he had been confirmed for the role of ‘Beast’. And he did so without any prior warning or promotional build-up, like a bolt out of the blue.

Moreover.

“My god… but how can he deliver such a bombshell announcement so casually?”

On TV, Kang Woojin’s expression was so composed it bordered on boredom. It was as if the news was no big deal to him. Because of this, Chris, who had frozen with his gaze fixed on the TV, momentarily thought he must have misheard.

It was more of a “Did I hear that wrong?” kind of reaction.

Snapping out of his daze, Chris grabbed the remote and turned up the volume. Soon, the host on the TV, who also looked slightly flustered, asked Woojin again for confirmation.

-[“…Excuse me? Woojin, what did you just-”]

Right, that’s exactly what I want to ask. Sharing the same sentiment as the host, Chris stared at the TV with a stiff expression. But nothing had changed. Kang Woojin answered once again in a calm, low tone.

-[“I said I’ve been confirmed for the role of ‘Beast’.”]

-[“Oh!! Really? For real?”]

-[“Yes.”]

-[“It’s such big news, but the way you’re saying it so calmly makes it even harder to believe. Are you joking?”]

-[“I’m not particularly one to enjoy joking around.”]

This time, Kang Woojin on the TV looked directly at the camera, essentially at the viewers of the ‘Jamie Show’, and repeated himself.

-[“I have been chosen for the role of ‘Beast’, and this is true.”]

At this moment, Chris Hartnett, who had been watching, finally showed a visible reaction. He suddenly ran his hand through his hair and let out a loud laugh.

“Hahaha! Well! This is truly surprising?? From ‘Joker’ to ‘Beast’? This is a first, I thought this could never happen in Hollywood-“

His thoughts were perfectly reasonable. Hollywood was filled with top-tier actors, but an actor like Kang Woojin, who landed lead roles in massive productions one after another since his debut, was unprecedented. On top of that, Woojin was a Korean actor. Even though Hollywood wasn’t his backyard, he was making history and turning it upside down.

Adding to that.

“……Columbia Studios and World Disney Pictures both choosing the same actor?”

It was also unprecedented for two of Hollywood’s so-called “Big Five”, massive film studio giants, to cast the same actor as the lead around the same time. Sure, being a candidate actor could happen due to various circumstances or luck, but actually being finalized as the lead for both was far beyond the realm of mere fortune. This was evidence that both studios were completely enamored with Kang Woojin, to the point of overlooking numerous interests, reputations, and traditions.

Chris Hartnett, who had spent over a decade navigating Hollywood, understood this better than anyone.

“What I couldn’t achieve in over a decade of my career- this Korean actor accomplished in less than a year? It’s interesting but also makes me a bit jealous.”

However, as Chris recalled Woojin’s performance in ‘Joker’, he couldn’t help but nod.

“He must have shown something ‘real’ for ‘Beast’ too. Something that made ‘World Disney Pictures’ have no choice but to cast him.”

Feeling slightly deflated, Chris slumped back onto the sofa. Meanwhile, on TV, the host of the ‘Jamie Show’ was visibly excited and speaking animatedly.

-[“Wow! Every story connected to you seems to be extraordinary! Even before we start talking about ‘Pierrot: The Birth of a Villain’, this bombshell about ‘Beast and the Beauty’ just dropped! First of all, congratulations!! I think this is an incredible achievement.”]

-[“Thank you.”]

-[“But is it okay to make such a big announcement here, all of a sudden?”]

-[“Of course. I thought it would be fine if it was on the ‘Jamie Show’.”]

-[“Haha, I’m honored to hear that! Has this been coordinated with Disney?”]

-[“Yes. It was already discussed in advance.”]

Unlike the excited host, Kang Woojin remained profoundly solemn. The host continued.

-[“Wow, after this broadcast airs, not just Hollywood but the whole world is going to be buzzing! This was already a hot topic to begin with!”]

Riding the wave of the bombshell, the host followed up with more questions related to ‘Beast and the Beauty’.

-[“The timing is such that you joined ‘Beast and the Beauty’ almost right after ‘Pierrot’. How did you feel when you got the acceptance call?”]

-[“Of course, I was happy.”]

-[“Haha. You seem pretty calm about it now. Did you somewhat expect it?”]

-[“To some extent.”]

The surprised host then pointed at the camera.

-[“Do you have anything you’d like to say to the viewers watching this show?”]

Kang Woojin on TV responded indifferently to the viewers.

-[“To me, ‘Beast and the Beauty’ is a cherished work with a lot of memories tied to it, and I will pour everything I have into it without any regrets. Actors, in general, are known to do whatever it takes for a role, but this time I plan to be even bolder. I will do everything to become a ‘Beast’ that satisfies everyone. If it’s for the sake of syncing perfectly with the character of ‘Beast’, I’ll do whatever it takes. Even shaving my head. You’re welcome to criticize me after watching the film.”]

In simpler terms, he was telling people not to speak prematurely.

Chris Hartnett, who was watching this, chuckled and muttered to himself.

“Hollywood’s about to catch fire, big time.”

Later.

After dropping the nuclear bomb of ‘Beast’ on the ‘Jamie Show’, Kang Woojin discussed a variety of topics. These included ‘Beast and the Beauty’, ‘Pierrot: The Birth of a Villain’, the globally sensational ‘Beneficial Evil’, Woojin’s social media, his ‘Kang Woojin’s Alter Ego’ channel, and so on. There was even a brief mention of Part 2 of ‘Beneficial Evil’.

Thus, the explosive and content-packed the ‘Jamie Show’ came to an end late at night.

But America, including Hollywood, was far from quiet.

“I can’t sit still, I’m curious how others reacted. I should start making some calls.”

Chris, sitting in front of his TV, began calling his fellow actors. Miley Cara, who also watched the ‘Jamie Show’ at home, was no different. She was several times more excited than Chris.

“As expected!! I knew Kang Woojin would snag the role of ‘Beast’! But isn’t he insane? To just casually announce it on the ‘Jamie Show’ without any buildup?!”

The news spread at lightning speed among Hollywood actors who had also watched the ‘Jamie Show’, some of whom had auditioned alongside Woojin for ‘Pierrot: The Birth of a Villain’.

“This is, unbelievable. Did he really land the role of ‘Beast’? Both Columbia and Disney at the same time?”

And among actors who had auditioned for the role of ‘Beast’.

“I mean, I get why I didn’t make it, but how did Kang Woojin get confirmed as ‘Beast’? That’s just crazy!!”

From actors who had seen Woojin at Cannes, to those who found his presence intriguing or even uncomfortable, to people from fields beyond acting, singing, and broadcasting, the buzz surrounding Woojin’s unbelievable path quickly spread. It was a completely natural phenomenon. After all, an unprecedented situation was unfolding as if it were nothing.

Hollywood shook instantly.

Right after the ‘Jamie Show’, which holds the top spot in American viewership ratings, ended, international news outlets released a deluge of articles on the topic, as if they had been waiting for this moment.

『LA TIME/Kang Woojin, the first Korean actor to appear on the ‘Jamie Show’, says: ‘I am the Beast’』

『BBX/Kang Woojin confirms himself as the Beast for Disney’s live-action adaptation ‘Beast and the Beauty’!』

『CNM/Kang Woojin declares on the ‘Jamie Show’ that he is confirmed for the role of ‘Beast’! From ‘Pierrot: The Birth of a Villain’ to ‘Beast and the Beauty’ in one go?』

The articles were written with the fervor of fans already fired up by ‘Pierrot’ and ‘Beneficial Evil’.

『NT/“I am the Beast” – Kang Woojin directly confirms casting, tells global fans: “Criticize me after you’ve seen the film.”』

Kang Woojin’s sudden declaration was like pouring water on heated fans.

『ABY/Kang Woojin confirmed for the role of ‘Beast’. It is highly unusual for both Columbia Studios and World Disney Pictures to finalize the same actor around the same time.』

‘World Disney Pictures’ released an official statement as if they had been waiting for the moment. It was posted on their official social media channel.

-[Hello, this is World Disney Pictures. The actor for the role of ‘Beast’ in ‘Beast and the Beauty’ has been confirmed as Kang Woojin. We have high expectations for him and believe that Kang Woojin has fully embodied the character of ‘Beast’. We ask for the support of fans who love ‘Beast and the Beauty’…]

The timing of the announcement was unmistakably deliberate. The attention of ‘Columbia Studios’, countless other Hollywood film companies, and production houses, along with the global industry, was now laser-focused on Kang Woojin.

『LA TIME/World Disney Pictures acknowledges Kang Woojin as confirmed in an official SNS announcement; the first comment came from Columbia Studios』

But at this moment, the most excited group wasn’t the industry but the general public.

-fuck!!! seriously??

Naturally, the first wave of reactions came from the international audience who had watched the ‘Jamie Show’.

-Really? Are you sure?? Has Kang Woojin officially been confirmed to play the Beast??!!

-I figured people would be shocked, I spat out the beer I was drinking when I heard his announcement on the ‘Jamie Show’!

-Disney… I’m disappointed.

-What’s with everyone? I think it’s fine for him to play the Beast.

-Lies! Wasn’t Kang Woojin only doing ‘Pierrot’? Why on earth is this happening??

-We should consider why major Hollywood studios are clamoring for him. Ever since ‘Beneficial Evil’, it’s clear Kang Woojin has been stirring up a fresh storm in Hollywood.

-Shut up!! I refuse to accept this!

The uproar spread globally in no time. Within just a few minutes, Kang Woojin, the ‘Jamie Show’, and ‘Beast and the Beauty’ were trending across various online communities and social media platforms worldwide.

This all happened within an hour after the ‘Jamie Show’ ended.

Morning, Kang Woojin’s home in LA.

The time was past 9 a.m. Woojin groggily sat up in bed.

“Ahh!”

Stretching with a groan, he immediately reached for his phone. Although texts, DMs, and other messages were pouring in at the moment, his phone was eerily silent. That was because he had set it to mute. Of course, Woojin had also watched the ‘Jamie Show’ the previous night.

“Whew- damn, there’s an insane amount of messages.”

The sheer volume of notifications had caused his phone to vibrate uncontrollably. Woojin first skimmed through his missed calls. There were over 20 of them. Neither his parents nor Kang Hyun-ah were among them since Woojin had already contacted them before the ‘Jamie Show’. As for his messages? They were completely overloaded. Not only from his best friends but also from Hwalin, Hong Hye-yeon, Ryu Jung-min, and numerous other top Korean actors. Even heavyweights like PD Song Man-woo and Director Kwon Ki-taek had sent congratulatory messages.

As for his DMs.

“It’s chaos, absolute chaos.”

Similar to his messages, but in different languages. His inbox was filled with messages from actors and prominent figures from Japan and Hollywood. Even renowned Hollywood producer Joseph Felton was among them. Responding to all of these individually was impossible.

-Swoosh.

Woojin put his phone down for a moment. A slight smile crept across his lips.

“Well, I guess this went according to expectations? Hehe, though this is just the beginning.”

It was the start of a whirlwind. The “nuclear bomb” had gone off, and Woojin seemed to be enjoying the rush. He picked up his phone again, intending to check the reactions in Korea, where it was dawn. Though he hadn’t seen it yet, he was certain that chaos had erupted there as well.

“Let’s see, let’s see-“

Seeing it firsthand always feels different. On Woojin’s phone screen, Korea’s number one search engine was displayed.

And then.

『[Breaking News] Kang Woojin confirmed to star as ‘Beast’ in World Disney Pictures’ live-action ‘Beast and the Beauty’』

The main page of the search engine was flooded with Kang Woojin’s name. It had been about 10 hours since the ‘Jamie Show’ aired, so the news had more than enough time to reach Korea. Most likely, it had gained momentum within 30 minutes of the show ending.

At that moment.

“Hmm?”

Although his phone was on silent and there was no vibration, the screen suddenly changed. It was an incoming call. The caller was Choi Sung-gun. Kang Woojin cleared his throat briefly, put the phone to his ear, and lowered his voice.

“Yes, CEO-nim.”

On the other end, Choi Sung-gun sounded urgent.

“Woojin! Turn on the TV! Right now!”

Woojin, still in character, tilted his head slightly but moved toward the first-floor living room. Picking up the remote from the table, he turned on the channel Choi Sung-gun had mentioned. The news was playing. Of course, it was an American news station, one so famous that even Woojin recognized it.

The interesting thing was.

‘Wow- damn, that’s me!’

Kang Woojin was appearing on America’s morning news.