Chapter 382: Overwhelmed (11)

Translator: Santos

 

A stunned Miley Cara ran her hand through her blonde hair, her mind racing. Kang Woo-jin was the first-ever actor to be offered the male lead in *Walt Disney Pictures'* history. The global fanbase surrounding *Beauty and the Beast* was massive.

“And it’s unheard of for three of the *Big Five* studios to be so fixated on one actor at the same time,” she thought.

Even for a Hollywood superstar like Miley, this was unprecedented. Adding Joseph’s studio to the mix made it three of the *Big Five* after Woo-jin.

“I couldn’t have imagined anything like this…”

At that moment, the actor beside her interrupted her thoughts, lowering his voice even further.

“It was surprising to hear Woo-jin was confirmed as a candidate for the lead in *The Pierrot*. Sure, he made a huge impression at Cannes, but to see two of the *Big Five* studios show this much interest in him? Especially for the *Beast* role—it’s pretty intense, given the legacy of the original film.”

“…”

“I mean, a Korean actor in the running for two lead roles here? That’s a first for me. The studios might be trying to show a progressive image, taking a chance on Woo-jin because of all the attention he’s getting. Even though it’s unlikely, if he does get both roles, he’ll probably have to give one up.”

Not a chance.

Miley's thoughts took a completely different direction.

“Give one up? No way. If what he says is true, Woo-jin probably plans to take on both roles.”

This realization made Miley’s own hesitation over *Beauty and the Beast* seem trivial. The actor beside her spoke again.

“If they’re using Woo-jin as a promotional asset, it’s already working. He’s a hot topic here, and just with *The Pierrot*, he’s created a media frenzy. But if *Beauty and the Beast* gets announced, the attention is going to explode.”

Miley brushed her blonde hair aside and smirked.

“Typical. Loose-lipped as always, spilling all this without even being asked.”

It seemed he had a reputation for talking too much, but even so, he was a top-tier Hollywood actor known for musical theater as well. In terms of popularity, he was nearly on par with Chris Hartnett. Flustered, he stumbled over his words.

“Oh, no, I was just…”

“So, you’re saying you’re competing with Woo-jin?”

Miley cut him off.

“If you keep going with that attitude, you’ll get crushed.”

“What…?”

“Crushed. Badly. Friendly advice. And keep your mouth shut more often; it makes you look flighty.”

“You!”

“Still, it was helpful this time.”

With that, Miley walked away, leaving him behind with a shocked expression. As she walked, her thoughts drifted to the image of Woo-jin transformed into the *Beast*. She could picture his terrifyingly good acting and his chilling musical talent, and her anticipation grew unexpectedly.

But she couldn’t shake a feeling.

“Honestly, a little heads-up would have been nice, Woo-jin.”

Miley muttered to herself, thinking it wouldn’t have hurt him to drop her a hint. As she walked, her team rejoined her, including her main manager, Jonathan, whose nearly-shaved head was easy to spot. She murmured to him.

“Tell *Walt Disney Pictures* I’ll take the role.”

---

**December 17, Afternoon, South Korea**

While the internet buzzed with news about Kang Woo-jin:

“[Star Talk] ‘Kang Woo-jin Heads to Hollywood,’ Scheduled for Early Next Year Departure”

“Kang Woo-jin Takes on Hollywood to Fulfill His ‘Cannes Speech’ Ambition, Drawing Foreign Media Attention”

New headlines had been popping up since morning.

“[Film Festival] Today at 6 PM, Blue Dragon Film Awards Begin! Kang Woo-jin Confirmed to Attend for *Island of the Missing* and *The Parasitic Mate*”

It was time for the Blue Dragon Film Awards, and the hype was intense. This year had already seen several record-breaking films, so the entire Korean entertainment industry and the public were more invested than ever.

“This year’s Blue Dragon is shaping up to be a celebration of double 20-million-viewer films… What about Woo-jin’s trophy count compared to last year?”

The venue was a massive art center in Seoul.

The entrance, lined with a long red carpet, was already buzzing with activity.

—Click! Click! Click-click-click!

Reporters were taking photos nonstop, and fans gathered around the red carpet were screaming in excitement.

“Ahhhh!!”

“Wow!! Amazing!!”

“He looks incredible! Oppa!! Over here, please!”

More vans and cars arrived, with stars stepping out dressed in tuxedos and dazzling gowns. Every arrival set off a fresh storm of camera flashes.

Yet some people were growing impatient.

“Why is he so late?”

“Yeah, he’s coming for sure, right? He didn’t just fly off to LA at the last second, did he?”

“Geez, if he doesn’t show up, I’m in trouble.”

Despite snapping away, the reporters’ anticipation was clear.

And who were they waiting for?

“This year’s awards revolve around Kang Woo-jin. If we don’t get at least one photo, we’re doomed.”

Indeed, it was Kang Woo-jin.

It was only natural. Last year, in his rookie year, he swept up both the Rookie of the Year and Best Supporting Actor awards, and this year, his accomplishments were even more impressive. No one in the Korean entertainment world could deny his impact.

“How do you think Blue Dragon will rank *Island of the Missing* and *The Parasitic Mate*?”

“Forget that. Both 20-million-viewer films starred Woo-jin. That’s an unbreakable record.”

“One actor starring in two films that hit 20 million views in one year? It’s surreal.”

“And he’s only three years in.”

Just then, a sleek black van pulled up. A burly guard opened the door, and out stepped a dark-haired actor in a white tuxedo.

Kang Woo-jin, with his typically stoic expression. As he emerged…

—Click-click-click-click-click-click-click!

—Flash-flash-flash-flash-flash!

The camera flashes and screams erupted so intensely that Woo-jin was startled.

“Wow—jeez, it’s deafening.”

It was near chaos.

---

An hour later.

After the red carpet madness, Woo-jin found himself in the grand hall of the art center, where the Blue Dragon Film Awards were set to take place. The hall was filled with actors, directors, and industry insiders, but Woo-jin stood out in the crowd.

In the center of the seating area, people clustered around him. Fellow actors, directors, and others he’d worked with gathered to greet him, and even those looking to make connections came over. Director Ahn Ga-bok was absent, as he was currently in LA.

In addition, the broadcast team’s cameras were fixated on Woo-jin, zooming in for live viewers who flooded the comment sections. Rookie actors with phones out, snapping pictures of Woo-jin, could be seen all around. Seated between Hong Hye-yeon and Ryu Jung-min, Woo-jin was the very definition of a “world star,” remaining calm amidst the chaos.

“How many people are going to say hi? Well, I can handle this—it’s just surreal how fast a year flew by.”

Having experienced the Cannes Film Festival, the Blue Dragon Awards didn’t faze him. But the picture was very different from last year. He had gone from rookie and supporting actor to a recognized lead. Technically, he was still in his third year, but no one in the hall viewed him as a mere rookie anymore.

After a while, the lights on the front stage dimmed.

—♪♬

The opening music filled the grand hall, marking the start of this year’s Blue Dragon Film Awards.

The audience of actors fell silent. Woo-jin watched as a famous actress and a tuxedoed actor he’d greeted earlier took the stage, holding microphones.

“The year is already coming to an end.”

“It really has flown by. It’s been a memorable year.”

The two exchanged light banter before wrapping up.

“Given all the remarkable films this year, I think we’re in for an exciting Blue Dragon! Shall we get started?”

The awards began with the Rookie Actor and Actress awards. Naturally, Woo-jin wasn’t called. The rookie winners were new faces, even to Woo-jin.

“Oh, they look great.”

Curiously, both rookie actors mentioned Woo-jin in their acceptance speeches.

“It’s an honor to receive the award that Kang Woo-jin received last year.”

“I was just listening to stories about how amazing Woo-jin was last year, and then my name was suddenly called—this is unbelievable! Thank you!”

In just one year, Woo-jin had become a role model for new actors, a towering figure even among the top actors gathered here. Many regarded him as an untouchable presence now.

Woo-jin himself, however, took it all in stride.

“Ah, it’s a bit embarrassing.”

Although the cameras frequently focused on him, his expression remained steady. Following the rookie awards, the technical awards began—Art, Technical Achievement, Screenplay, and so on.

It was truly a celebration for Woo-jin’s films.

“Art Award! Congratulations, Han Seo-kyung of *The Parasitic Mate*!”

“Congratulations! Technical Achievement Award goes to Kim Dong-jin of *Island of the Missing*!”

The Screenplay Award went to Director Ahn Ga-bok.

“Director Kwon Ki-taek will accept on

 behalf of Director Ahn Ga-bok, who is currently in LA.”

The excitement in the hall grew. With the end of the opening performance, part two of the awards began.

Right at the start, Woo-jin was called.

“Popularity Star Award!! Congratulations, Kang Woo-jin!!”

The entire audience stood to applaud him.

—Clap-clap-clap-clap-clap!

His expression showed he was fully expecting it, which was understandable. In just one year, he had risen to the level of a world star. Calmly, Woo-jin took the stage, received his bouquet and trophy, and approached the microphone.

His speech was brief.

“Thank you. I’m thrilled to receive this award again this year. Next year, I’ll aim to be recognized as a star overseas as well.”

He hadn’t forgotten his Hollywood ambitions.

Next up were the Supporting Actor and Actress awards, both of which his films swept again.

“Supporting Actor Award!! Jun Woo-chang of *Island of the Missing*!!”

The Blue Dragon seemed like a festival for his two films alone.

“Supporting Actress Award! Congratulations to Han So-jin!!!”

At last, the Blue Dragon Film Awards reached its climax. Woo-jin took the stage alongside Jin Jae-jun from *The Parasitic Mate*.

“Attending Cannes and everything else this year was an unforgettable experience in my career,” Jin said, marking the start of the final awards.

“Let’s meet this year’s nominees for Best Actor at the Blue Dragon.”

A massive screen displayed the nominees, beginning with—

—*Island of the Missing* / Kang Woo-jin

Woo-jin was one of five candidates. It looked like the Blue Dragon committee had chosen to focus exclusively on *Island of the Missing*, rather than nominating both of his films.

Also among the nominees was the renowned actor Shim Han-ho from *The Parasitic Mate*, alongside other prominent figures in Korean cinema.

But in the end…

“This year’s Blue Dragon Best Actor! For the second time in my career, I’m honored to present this award!”

They couldn’t surpass him.

“Congratulations! Best Actor! Kang Woo-jin of *Island of the Missing*!!”

It was Woo-jin’s second time at the Blue Dragon, and already he had swept up the awards, moving from Rookie to Supporting, and now to Best Actor. He stood, unfazed by the thunderous applause and congratulatory shouts, and made his way to the stage.

“…”

With his Beast-like composure in full display, his expression was more steadfast than ever.

“Wow, Best Actor at the Blue Dragon! This means two lead actor awards!”

With his signature stoic expression, Woo-jin coolly accepted his second Best Actor trophy following his Cannes win.

But his award streak wouldn’t end with the Blue Dragon.

Exactly three days later, on the 20th…

“[Film Festival] Kang Woo-jin Takes Best Actor at Daejong Awards for *The Parasitic Mate*, Adding to His Blue Dragon and Cannes Wins!”

This year, Best Actor belonged to Kang Woo-jin alone.