Chapter 390: Overwhelmed (19)

Translator: Santos

 

PD Song Man-woo’s face was pale, looking as though he might collapse any moment, yet his voice held firm conviction as he spoke into the phone.

"The editing is done."

Around him, editors silently clenched their fists or exhaled in relief, some running their hands through their hair, the end of their long ordeal finally in sight.

Song Man-woo's expression remained serious as the voice of Kim So-hyang, the executive director, came through the phone, sounding slightly surprised.

“…What? Really? Already?”

She asked, surprised that *Beneficial Evil*’s editing had finished so quickly. Song Man-woo, rubbing his tired face with one hand, replied.

“Yes, just now.”

“That’s much faster than expected,” she said.

“True.”

“I remember you mentioned it would take two more weeks for editing and another week to wrap everything up.”

Earlier, at the start of January, PD Song had informed her that editing for *Beneficial Evil* would require two more weeks, with an additional week to finalize everything, targeting completion by late January. By the schedule, he’d shaved almost an entire week off.

Slowly standing from his chair, Song Man-woo explained, “I didn’t want the editing to cut so close to the February 3rd launch. Besides, with the current buzz around Woo-jin, I had to push harder.”

“Ah…”

Though holed up in the editing room, Song Man-woo had stayed aware of the whirlwind surrounding Kang Woo-jin, Miley Kara, and other recent headlines. From the crossover releases of *The Leech*, to *Pierrot*, and now *Beauty and the Beast*, he had been just as stunned as everyone when he’d heard the news of Woo-jin being a candidate for the role of “Beast.”

But he didn’t dwell on it.

“Missing this golden opportunity would’ve been…oh, sorry. Anyway, we had to ride this wave, even if it meant doubling down on the time and effort.”

“Are you alright?”

“Oh, fine enough. With Woo-jin’s publicity going beyond Korea and Japan to reach global proportions, I wanted to make sure we could time the promotion for *Beneficial Evil* alongside it.”

“That would create natural global promotion.”

“Exactly. I didn’t want to waste a single day of this moment.”

With Woo-jin’s Cannes recognition and Miley Kara’s involvement, *Beneficial Evil* already had an international profile. But with Woo-jin’s name circulating globally as a candidate for the “Beast” role, his fame was skyrocketing. Whether in anticipation or controversy, worldwide audiences were now captivated by Woo-jin.

Combined with his previous statements about pursuing an Academy Award after his Cannes speech and his roles in *Pierrot* and *Beauty and the Beast*, this buzz was unprecedented.

'If *Beneficial Evil* comes to light now, the global interest will be inevitable.'

For many, the question was, “Who is this Kang Woo-jin, and why is he shaking up Hollywood?” When *Beneficial Evil* appeared with Miley Kara—candidate for the role of “Belle”—the publicity would only amplify. To maximize this effect, every day counted.

Driven by this, PD Song had thrown every ounce of time and energy he had into completing the project exactly on schedule.

Then, Kim So-hyang cautiously asked, “How is the quality…in your opinion?”

Despite her trust in the renowned PD Song, she couldn’t help but worry that a rushed job might overlook details. But PD Song, without a hint of hesitation, replied confidently.

“I guarantee the quality. You can go ahead with all planned promotional activities starting today.”

“Understood, PD.”

“I’ll also send over the teasers and trailers by the end of the day.”

As the conversation continued, Song Man-woo sank back into his chair, changing the subject slightly.

“Rather than just preview snippets like last time, it’d be better to organize a full pre-release test screening for the cast and key production members, just the first one or two episodes.”

It was essentially a test screening, similar to film previews. Kim So-hyang’s tone suggested agreement.

“Alright. Then, just Netflix staff, Choi Writer, and the actors?”

“We may have to proceed without those who can’t make it. But personally, I’d love for Woo-jin to attend.”

“Ah, Woo-jin. Hm, he’s extremely busy right now.”

“I’ll reach out. From what I know, Woo-jin leaves for LA on the 20th, so we’d need to arrange the test screening for tomorrow, the 19th, if possible. I’ll check in with the other actors as well.”

“Can you manage on such short notice?”

PD Song chuckled at her question.

“If our global star agrees, I’d hold it an hour from now if I had to.”

---

Later that day, around 3 PM at a commercial shoot in Seoul, Woo-jin sat off to the side during a break, casually scrolling through his phone while in a branded leather jacket for the luxury shoot. Though he wore his usual reserved expression, he was keeping up with the flood of media coverage from Korea, Japan, and beyond.

‘This is getting louder, not quieter. I thought it’d die down in a few days, but it’s the opposite.’

Just then, Choi Sung-geon, bundled in a thick padded coat, approached him.

“Woo-jin.”

Woo-jin lowered his voice, answering in his usual deep tone.

“Yes, PD.”

“These are the costumes they asked you to prepare for the *Pierrot* audition and screen test. Do they look alright?”

Choi held out a tablet with Woo-jin’s requested wardrobe items displayed. Woo-jin scanned the list quickly and gave a slight nod.

“Yes, that should be sufficient.”

“Nothing else? What about makeup?”

“No makeup. I’ll go as I am.”

“Just the costume? Are you sure you don’t need makeup like you did for *Pierrot*?”

“Yes, I’ll go with my natural look.”

Though they were discussing preparations for *Pierrot*, Woo-jin was clear about not needing makeup. He had already mapped out his approach for the audition and screen test.

‘Better to go as myself, rather than as the character.’

After Woo-jin’s confirmation, Choi Sung-geon took back the tablet.

“Got it. The costume will be ready tomorrow. The team is already working on an exact match.”

“Yes, thank you, PD.”

Choi swallowed nervously.

“Only a week left now, huh? I’m beyond anxious, and here you are, looking completely unbothered. Having you so calm is killing the rest of us here.”

“Really?”

Not that Woo-jin was completely unphased.

‘Do you really think I’m fine? Just thinking about the audition spikes my adrenaline.’

The tension was real, but it wasn’t fear—more like exhilaration.

Then,

-Buzz, buzz.

Woo-jin’s phone vibrated in his hand. It was a call from PD Song. Woo-jin raised it to his ear and answered in a low voice.

“Yes, PD. Hello.”

Listening to PD Song, Woo-jin turned to Choi Sung-geon and asked, “Can I free up about two hours in tomorrow’s schedule?”

“For what?”

“PD Song mentioned a test screening for *Beneficial Evil*. He said it’s okay to skip if it’s too difficult.”

Choi Sung-geon’s eyes widened with surprise. “Already?” He quickly checked his schedule and replied, “Two hours is tight, but we can manage one.”

---

The next morning, January 19th, at DM Production’s editing room, around 10 AM.

The editing room was bustling. Thankfully, the stale smell from endless hours of work had dissipated. Up front, PD Song Man-woo was joined by several key production staff, Netflix Korea executives, including Kim So-hyang, and…

“Whoo… f-finally.”

“Are you alright, Writer Choi?”

“What? No? Yes?”

Writer Choi Na-na, wearing round glasses, was busy taking deep breaths to calm her nerves. The cast of *Beneficial Evil* was there, including most of the supporting and lead actors. Due to scheduling conflicts, Hua-rin couldn’t make it, but Gang-su, the dinosaur-faced supporting actor, was present.

The atmosphere buzzed with excitement.

Then,

-Swish.

The door opened, and the familiar figure of a black-haired actor entered, causing everyone to turn.

“Oh! Woo-jin’s here!”

“Woo-jin’s arrived!”

“Wow—it’s like seeing a real superstar! Somehow, he looks even different than on set!”

“Haha, welcome, Woo-jin.”

Woo-jin, in a long gray down jacket and cap, greeted everyone, then nodded slightly at PD Song seated by the editing equipment.

“Thank you for all the hard work, PD.”

PD Song, sporting a scruffy beard, chuckled.

“Hardly. You’ve worked even harder. Thanks for making the time despite your insane schedule.”

“I was curious to see it too.”

After about ten minutes of small talk, PD Song announced the start of the screening.

“Let’s take our seats, everyone. Time for the test.”

The group, including Woo-jin, took seats or stood at the back. With a few clicks on his console, PD Song started the playback on the main monitor, and *Beneficial Evil* Part 1, Episode 1, began. The screen opened without any introductory titles or OST, diving straight into the action.

The setting was a dark forest.

Then Woo-jin, dressed in military gear and carrying a rifle, appeared on screen as Jang Yeon-woo. The camera panned slowly from his back, then shifted to his side. A female voice crackled

 through his earpiece—it was Miley Kara’s, speaking in English.

The entire room fell silent.

“… …”

Everyone was transfixed, gazing at the screen as though spellbound. Woo-jin, maintaining his composed facade, felt the same.

‘Holy—goosebumps! The quality is insane!’

From the opening cinematography to the directing, everything was exceptional. It felt like a Hollywood movie right from the first line, which was in English. But that was only the beginning.

‘Whoa! The action is incredible!’

From the gunfights to the tension, every second was gripping.

After the screening…

Unfortunately, Woo-jin could only watch Episode 1 of *Beneficial Evil* before having to leave. Though he was dying to see it all, time was short.

‘Ah—I wanted to see that long take in Episode 2.’

Episode 1 interwove Jang Yeon-woo’s past and present, laying out clues as the current events unfolded. Even knowing the story, seeing the finished version was a whole new experience.

In short,

‘This is epic.’

Even Woo-jin, who had acted in it, found it irresistibly captivating. Once someone started Episode 1, they wouldn’t be able to stop until all six episodes of Part 1 were finished.

Woo-jin headed back to the van, where the stylist team handed him the requested costumes for the *Pierrot* audition.

Seeing the outfit, his heart began to race.

‘Whew—’

But he calmed himself quickly. The day flew by, and on Thursday, the 20th, Woo-jin found himself at Incheon Airport.

“Woo-jin! Kang Woo-jin!”

“Can we get a statement on your feelings?”

“Are you confident for the audition?!”

“What kind of performance have you prepared?!”

“Here! Please, just a quick word, Woo-jin!”

“Have you contacted Director Ahn Ga-bok?!”

“Do you think you can compete against the Hollywood actors confirmed as candidates?!”

Hundreds of reporters and even more fans had swarmed Incheon Airport. Though the crowd was frenetic, Woo-jin calmly waved to them as he passed through the gate.

Then,

-Swish.

He disappeared behind the departure doors, reappearing shortly afterward inside a private jet. Choi Sung-geon and the team buzzed around him, while Woo-jin’s phone continued to ping with messages—mostly well-wishes. With his usual stoic demeanor, Woo-jin turned his phone to airplane mode.

-Flap.

He opened the *Pierrot* script and raised a finger.

‘Time to get in character.’

In anticipation of the audition, he wanted to immerse himself in the role as much as possible.

Hours later.

‘Ah, this damn jet lag.’

After a flight lasting over ten hours, Woo-jin arrived at LAX early in the morning. Despite leaving Seoul in the morning, he found himself landing in Los Angeles at an even earlier hour. Covered up to avoid attention, Woo-jin moved through the packed arrival area without issue.

Forty minutes later, Woo-jin’s team boarded waiting vans outside the airport. Woo-jin rode in the lead vehicle, gazing out the window.

‘Still the same LA.’

Los Angeles stretched out before him, vast and familiar. But something had shifted within Woo-jin. LA felt less foreign to him now. The van pulled away, taking him to his residence in the city.

Then,

“Oppa.”

Woo-jin’s stylist manager, Han Ye-jeong—recently sporting a blue bob haircut—murmured, looking down at her phone.

“The official teaser for *Beneficial Evil* just dropped.”

On her phone screen, the teaser had been up for barely ten minutes.

-【Worldwide Release on February 3rd!】Official *Beneficial Evil* Teaser ｜ Netflix Korea

In various languages, comments were already pouring in like wildfire.