Chapter 378: Overwhelmed (7)

Translator: Santos

 

The Asian actor who appeared at *Columbia Pictures* was Kang Woo-jin? The giant Joseph turned to the bald Robert in front of him, questioning for confirmation.

“Kang Woo-jin? Are you sure that Asian actor is Kang Woo-jin?”

Robert shook his head.

“No, I can’t say it’s 100% certain. The whole incident is just a rumor. However, it seems true that Chris Hartnett had a confrontation with an Asian actor. The details of the situation are still unclear.”

“...Then that Asian actor is…”

“I heard he’s a Korean actor. His appearance also matches.”

After hearing this, Joseph slowly sat back in his chair and stroked his chin.

“The chances of it being Kang Woo-jin are high—no, it has to be him. There aren’t many people who would boldly have a confrontation in front of *Columbia Pictures* while asking Chris for his name. But from what I’ve seen of Kang Woo-jin, it’s very plausible.”

As Robert continued to explain, he handed over a tablet.

“I checked some articles from Korea.”

On the screen Robert presented was an article translated from Korean to English.

『[Exclusive] ‘Kang Woo-jin’ flies to LA on a private jet, seemingly out of the blue just before the year-end! Could this be a flight for his Hollywood debut?』

Joseph scanned the article and let out a small sigh, rubbing his face.

“Phew—so Kang Woo-jin is in LA right now.”

Joseph Pelton was convinced that the Asian actor who had faced off against Chris Hartnett was Kang Woo-jin. However, at that moment, what mattered to him wasn’t that. The crucial point was that Kang Woo-jin had stopped by *Columbia Pictures*. After a brief moment of thought, he spoke.

“*Columbia Pictures*, having confirmed a new film production, is at the stage where they are currently having preliminary meetings with key actors. Chris is one of those actors.”

He continued with a serious expression.

“Kang Woo-jin must have also had a preliminary meeting with *Columbia Pictures*.”

Bald Robert agreed.

“That’s why Kang Woo-jin and Chris’s paths must have crossed.”

“What a twist... I knew Hollywood would take an interest in Kang Woo-jin after Cannes, but directly with *Columbia Pictures*!”

“I don’t think *Columbia Pictures* is the only studio that’s contacted him.”

“Right. At least two or more, including *Columbia Pictures*.”

Joseph had his eye on the project from *Universal Movies*, which he was eager to cast Kang Woo-jin in. In other words, two studios from Hollywood’s “Big Five” were already interested in Woo-jin, and given the current flow, it wouldn’t be surprising if at least one more studio joined in. Three out of the “Big Five”—a scenario unprecedented in all of Hollywood.

“Furthermore, *Columbia Pictures* entrusted the direction of this project to Ahn Ga-bok. If Kang Woo-jin is cast as the male lead, the story will be spectacular.”

“Indeed, it’s an interesting image for the public to see the two men from Cannes extending into Hollywood together.”

“I feel the same. I even watched the Cannes ceremony in person. But... it’s also puzzling.”

Joseph felt the pressure mounting. If the production schedules of different studios overlapped, it would become difficult to cast Kang Woo-jin. Then naturally, the previously discussed Miley Cara and Hollywood director Danny Landis would also be off the table. If those three fell through, the tightly inflated balloon would quickly deflate.

“I need to confirm with *Columbia Pictures* as soon as possible and dig into the other ‘Big Five’ studios as well.”

Joseph then picked up his phone.

“I’ll try to arrange a meeting with Kang Woo-jin.”

At this moment,

In a mid-sized meeting room of the vast *Columbia Pictures*, over 20 foreigners were gathered. Among them was the wrinkled face of Director Ahn Ga-bok. It was obvious; this meeting room was for the film *The Pierrot*.

Sitting at the front of the U-shaped table were the main producer, casting team, and executives, all engaged in heated discussions regarding the recent preliminary meetings with potential lead actors for *The Pierrot*.

“Although there’s a bit of anxiety, I think we should call Chris for the audition.”

“I agree; he showed a lot of eagerness during the meeting and was filled with ambition.”

“What does the director think?”

Of course, Director Ahn Ga-bok felt similarly.

“Chris is undoubtedly a great actor. His experience and recognition in the market are proof of that. While there may be a bit of anxiety, it would be a waste not to see his form. I believe there won’t be any problems until the audition and screen test.”

The discussions about the top Hollywood actors, including Chris Hartnett, who had had a confrontation with Kang Woo-jin, blended together. They reviewed everything from their pasts to the present—all the rumors, controversies, and the atmosphere of the preliminary meetings they had conducted.

“Is it okay to just let the rumors about Chris and Kang Woo-jin slide?”

“That’s a light occurrence; we can manage it without making too much noise about it.”

“Right, if we make a fuss over it, unnecessary chatter might arise.”

At that moment, one of the candidates dropped out during the preliminary meeting.

“Then Bruce will have to wait for another opportunity.”

“Hmm, there weren’t any issues during the preliminary meeting, but his personal life is a bit too chaotic.”

“If an incident occurs during filming, it could become troublesome.”

Thus, the candidates for *The Pierrot* dwindled from a total of six to five. Now it was time to decide on the final actor. Soon, Director Ahn Ga-bok and the female producer began to scroll through the tablet screen. A photo of Kang Woo-jin began to appear on the screen.

“Kang Woo-jin—hmm.”

One of the executives from *Columbia Pictures* stroked his chin.

“I still find him confusing. Is he overflowing with confidence, or is it arrogance? There’s a fine line between being bold and being impudent.”

“In my view, Kang Woo-jin didn’t seem to show much interest in *The Pierrot*. In fact, he even said that he wouldn’t regret not joining *The Pierrot*.”

“He even mentioned that we would regret missing out on him, showing a slightly dismissive demeanor.”

Two of the executives had slightly negative views about Kang Woo-jin. Of course, there were also opposing opinions.

“Well, he definitely seemed ambitious. If not, he wouldn’t have flown over from Korea for the preliminary meeting. He also seemed well-informed about the project during the meeting.”

“I agree. While he may seem a bit impudent, he showed no signs of the burdens and anxieties we worried about. He’s an unpredictable character, but that also adds to his charm, doesn’t it?”

A heated debate ensued among the executives. At this moment, Director Ahn Ga-bok, who had been quietly listening, interjected.

“He may come off as somewhat peculiar, but he possesses acting skills that far exceed such trivialities. That’s why he won Best Actor at Cannes in his second year of debut. I know him best here, and I thoroughly understand what Kang Woo-jin said. If I miss out on him, at least I will regret it.”

The meeting room stirred slightly. At this time, the female producer overseeing *The Pierrot* spoke up.

“Don’t you find it curious? What does Kang Woo-jin possess that allows him to exhibit such eccentric traits?”

All the executives, including the female producer, slowly nodded their heads. Indeed, there was a palpable curiosity. Just how remarkable must he be to say such a thing as “If you miss out on me, you’ll regret it” directly to their faces? The female producer continued.

“I believe that alone is sufficient reason to invite him for an audition.”

Days later, in Korea.

From the morning, domestic media and public opinion were buzzing about a single actor. Gossip, abuses, and rumors flooded the scene.

『[Star Talk] Miley Cara uploads a two-shot with Kang Woo-jin... Could he be in LA due to a Hollywood love call?』

『Rumors of ‘Kang Woo-jin’ appearing on American talk shows surface; this LA trip seems to be for an overseas talk show rather than a Hollywood meeting.』

It was all about Kang Woo-jin.

『‘Cannes Best Actor’, interviews, and schedules surrounding ‘Miley Cara’... When will Kang Woo-jin return from LA?』

The timing was impeccable, and because he had departed for LA without a word, early on, rumors about his Hollywood debut were rampant. However, after about a week, the situation had changed entirely. The rumors of Kang Woo-jin’s Hollywood debut had turned out to be mere fabrications.

Of course, there were reasons for that.

Kang Woo-jin's silence, combined with the facts that he had gone to LA to meet Miley Cara and had given interviews to foreign media, led to the natural conclusion that his trip to LA was merely to fulfill a previously arranged schedule and nothing more.

If his Hollywood debut had indeed been confirmed, his agency wouldn’t have remained silent.

But BW Entertainment was also very quiet.

As always, issues lacking clear facts tend to sell better. The domestic audience was buzzing.

“Oh, it seems Kang Woo-jin isn’t filming a Hollywood movie after all.”

“What? Just a few days ago, there were articles saying he was having meetings with Hollywood!”

“Seriously, but now it’s just that he’s fulfilling overseas schedules.”

“Another report from

 a lousy reporter. See? I told you? Kang Woo-jin’s Hollywood debut is too fast. Maybe next year or the year after.”

In other words, public opinion was ravenous, chewing over and dissecting Kang Woo-jin.

- Did you expect this? So thrilling! LOL

- Director Ahn’s career is amazing, but Kang Woo-jin is only in his second year—Hollywood debut? LOL

- How do you explain Kang Woo-jin winning Best Actor at Cannes in just two years?

- ↑ Exactly LOL. It’s sad to see the haters going wild trying to find something to criticize...

- Honestly, with the energy Kang Woo-jin has shown so far, a Hollywood debut is totally possible LOL. What’s not possible?

- It’s a rare phenomenon where Kang Woo-jin stays quiet, but the media and public go crazy.

- LOL. He won Best Actor at Cannes, but you think a small role in Hollywood is too much for him? Seriously, what is this?

- Do you think Hollywood is a bunch of fools? LOL

And at that moment, hundreds of reporters gathered in the arrival hall of Incheon Airport. Naturally, there were more onlookers than reporters. This was all due to the information received beforehand.

“It’s time, but when is he coming out??”

“Was there a delay? Is it possible that his flight from LA didn’t take off?”

“No, I received word that he departed.”

The protagonist of that information quickly made his appearance.

“Ah!! There he is! He’s out!!”

A man with a cap pulled low, visible through the throng of his team members and guards. It was Kang Woo-jin, with a strong poker face.

Immediately, hundreds of reporters surged forward.

“Woo-jin!! Kang Woo-jin!!”

“This way! Please look this way!! Wave! Wave!!”

“Kang Woo-jin!! What was your schedule in LA??”

“Is it true you had no contact with any Hollywood studios??!!”

Kang Woo-jin, who had secretly gone to LA, had returned to Korea.

Two days later, in the morning.

Inside one of the largest screening rooms in a major cinema in Gangnam, the audience seats were filled. Over 300 seats were occupied. The attendees were a mix of reporters, film critics, and industry personnel.

And on the large screen at the front, a familiar poster and title appeared.

- *The Strange Sacrifice of the Stranger* premiere.

This was the screening for Japan’s *The Parasitic Mate*, which was set to officially release next week. Having surpassed 23 million viewers, it was natural for the cinema to be packed, especially since it had gained heat due to Kang Woo-jin. The peculiar thing was that all the assembled audience members were gazing intently at the screen, eagerly waiting for someone.

Who could it be?

Before the film screening, a stage greeting was scheduled for the main cast, and they were eagerly anticipating the appearance of the key figures.

Just then...

- *Swoosh.*

The main cast of *The Parasitic Mate* entered the theater packed with over 300 attendees. The first familiar face that appeared was that of a short man with graying hair. It was the renowned Japanese director Tanooguchi Kyotaro, the director of *The Parasitic Mate*. He had made an appearance at a Korean cinema.

Soon...

- *Flash!*

- *Flash!*

The reporters unleashed a flurry of camera flashes. It wasn’t common for director Kyotaro to visit Korea. However, the camera angles of the reporters quickly shifted. From the director, the focus moved to the man behind him, dressed in a black double coat with an indifferent expression.

It was Kang Woo-jin, known as *Ieyota Kiyoshi*.

As Kang Woo-jin appeared right after the director, the speed of the reporters clicking their shutters doubled. It was a common sight, but Woo-jin narrowed his brows for a moment.

‘Ugh—man, this is blinding. I really can’t get used to this.’

But his expression remained more solemn than ever. Behind Woo-jin stood a familiar top Japanese actor, Mana Kosaku. Thus, it could be inferred that all the Japanese cast of *The Parasitic Mate* had come to this Gangnam screening.

- *Flash!*

The flashes intensified. At that moment...

- *Bzzz.*

The phones of the reporters, eager to capture Kang Woo-jin and the cast of *The Parasitic Mate*, began to vibrate, as if they were in sync.

- *Bzzz.*

- *Bzzz.*

- *Bzzz.*

However, most of the reporters remained focused on taking pictures. Only a female reporter seated in the front row, directly in front of Kang Woo-jin, checked her phone.

“Eh??”

She was slightly taken aback. And rightly so. She had received over five messages from her editor. Was it something urgent? Quickly checking the messages, the female reporter’s mouth dropped open. She then turned her gaze sharply to Kang Woo-jin in front of her.

Suddenly, the female reporter exclaimed.

“Kang Woo-jin!! Is it true that you’re a candidate for a leading role in a *Columbia Pictures* project??!!”

The text displayed on her phone screen read:

- *Official announcement of leading role candidates for *Columbia Pictures* new film, five in total, including four top Hollywood actors and Kang Woo-jin!*

In an instant, all eyes in the screening room, including Director Kyotaro’s, turned from the reporter to Kang Woo-jin. On the contrary, Woo-jin’s response was incredibly calm.

“It’s true, but it’s not something to discuss here.”