Chapter 397: Full Bloom (3)

Translator: Santos

 

The official launch of *Beneficial Evil* was set for noon on February 3rd. However, from the morning of the 3rd, only a few hours before the launch, the buzz around *Beneficial Evil* was already deafening across Korea.

The excitement spread beyond just the media; public opinion was ablaze as well.

On social media platforms, forums, YouTube, and more, discussions about *Beneficial Evil* were reaching fever pitch.

**“Finally!! *Beneficial Evil* is launching!!!”**

**“Ugh... time is moving so slowly... I can’t wait to watch it...”**

**“LOL, but isn’t it true that when a project is this hyped before release, it usually flops? LOL”**

**“↑True, LOL. The trailer was everything, and if the movie is boring, *Beneficial Evil* is doomed, LOL.”**

**“Here come the haters again.”**

**“*Beneficial Evil* is going crazy overseas, so if it really sucks, it’s not just going to flop; it’ll be a disaster.”**

**“If you take away Kang Woo-jin and Miley Cara, there might be nothing left to see.”**

**“But the trailers looked amazing, though.”**

Positive and negative opinions clashed like swords and shields. Offline discussions in broadcasting stations, movie studios, and production companies mirrored this tension.

“Ah, so *Beneficial Evil* is launching soon.”

“What do you think? I feel like it’ll be hot for a few days thanks to Kang Woo-jin and Miley Cara, but I’m not sure it’ll be a huge hit.”

“Hmm, I feel the same. But it should do well enough in Korea. Miley Cara is in it, but Kang Woo-jin’s influence is just too strong. And the trailer seemed pretty high-quality.”

“But won’t the interest in Korea die down quickly? Woo-jin’s influence has raised public expectations sky-high.”

“True. If it’s not up to par, the backlash will come fast.”

People were making snap judgments about *Beneficial Evil*’s future.

“Wow, the trailer for *Beneficial Evil* was put together really well.”

“Hey, PD Kim. Slacking off again?”

“This is work too, isn’t it? If *Beneficial Evil* blows up, we’ll have to reach out to the actors.”

“Haha, really? But in my opinion, it’s still too soon for a global challenge like this. Even with the Korean Wave and K-pop, it’s just a drop in the bucket overall. And even if Kang Woo-jin’s reputation abroad has grown, it’s still not enough.”

“What if it ends up being a huge hit?”

“I think the trailers might be the only good part.”

“Wanna bet?”

“Deal.”

Japan, launching at the same time as Korea, was experiencing a similar atmosphere. The interesting thing was that *Beneficial Evil* was making waves not just in Korea and Japan but globally. In the U.S. and other major countries, popular forums were buzzing as the launch time drew near.

**“Waiting to watch this Korean piece, *Beneficial Evil*. Hope it’s good.”**

**“Why is that Korean project so noisy lately?”**

**“It’s because of the Korean actor Kang Woo-jin, who’s hot in Hollywood. The hype spiked even more when he was rumored for the Beast role.”**

**“Kang Woo-jin won Best Actor at Cannes last year.”**

**“How good must he be to get cast in both *Pierrot* and *Beauty and the Beast*?”**

**“We’ll get a hint by watching *Beneficial Evil*, but this looks like an action film, right? The trailer was decent.”**

**“Trailers can always be made to look good. Let’s be real, no Korean project could match Hollywood standards.”**

**“I subscribed to Netflix just for *Beneficial Evil*. I hope it’s at least decent.”**

The commentary poured in.

The momentum kept building, with most comments echoing a skeptical “Let’s see how good it really is” sentiment. Despite the skepticism, the global interest was undeniable.

**“But for a Korean project, the global promotion has already succeeded. When has a Korean release ever been this talked about before launch?”**

**“True. I never paid attention to Korean projects before *Beneficial Evil*.”**

It was unprecedented.

Whether good or bad, the international recognition was thanks to Kang Woo-jin’s accumulated global presence. Miley Cara and Netflix’s promotional prowess were added bonuses.

As people across the world dissected and anticipated *Beneficial Evil*, an hour before launch, various figures in LA were also taking notice. Many big names in Hollywood were watching.

It was 11 a.m. in Korea and 6 p.m. in Hollywood. Columbia Studio, which had secretly cast Woo-jin as the male lead in *Pierrot*, was abuzz.

“We should definitely check out *Beneficial Evil*.”

“Agreed. Call Director Ahn Ga-bok from the stage crew. It may be starting in Korea, but since this marks Kang Woo-jin’s first major international step, anyone available should watch it.”

“Isn’t it an action genre?”

“Action by Kang Woo-jin—that sounds promising.”

“If his action scenes hold up, it could really bolster his standing as the ‘Joker’ in the Cinematic Universe. If not, it’s another story.”

At *World Disney Pictures*, preparing for Woo-jin’s audition and screen test for the Beast role:

“What time does *Beneficial Evil* launch on Netflix?”

“Around 7 p.m. our time. Quite a few people are already gathering at the studio.”

“Hmm, let’s head there too. *Beneficial Evil* could be a good gauge for evaluating Kang Woo-jin.”

“This is his first action film, right?”

“As far as our research shows. And it’s also his first formal bid to break into international markets.”

“Fortunately, it’s on Netflix, so we can check it out right away.”

“What do you expect from Kang Woo-jin’s action scenes?”

“Not sure. I’m intrigued, but he’s not an action specialist, so there might be some rough edges.”

“True, but if he’s already a standout actor and excels at action too—he’s beyond exceptional.”

Hollywood heavyweights, including *Universal Movies* and renowned producers like Joseph Felton and Megan Stone, were among those preparing to watch.

“The things we saw in person are finally being shown to the world.”

“It looked impressive live, but let’s see how the final product turned out.”

“It all depends on the direction and editing. Still, Kang Woo-jin’s action and close-quarters combat (CQC) will definitely surprise audiences.”

Miley Cara, who had starred in *Beneficial Evil*, was also following along via Netflix during her schedule.

“Miley, how do you feel?”

“Hmm—it was my first time working on a Korean project, and now it’s going out to the world. It feels fresh. There’s a part of me that wants to say, ‘Show them what you’ve got!’”

“Kang Woo-jin?”

“Yeah. There were so many wild rumors about him online. Just watching made me mad.”

“If *Beneficial Evil* turns out well, those will vanish.”

“I hope it makes a huge splash.”

Prominent Hollywood directors like Danny Landis, actors who had auditioned for *Pierrot*, Chris Hartnett, and others who had encountered Woo-jin at Cannes were all waiting as well.

They were waiting for *Beneficial Evil* to launch.

Finally.

At noon KST, *Beneficial Evil* launched on Netflix, and the famous Netflix logo sound resonated worldwide.

-♬♪

Countless viewers around the world hit play on *Beneficial Evil* Part 1.

-*Beneficial Evil* Part 1

-Episode 1

The opening scene showed Kang Woo-jin, or rather, his character Jang Yeon-woo, appearing in a parking lot. As soon as Woo-jin’s character slapped a petty villain, online communities in various countries started buzzing.

**“What is this? Is this the action they’re showing off?”**

**“Did I just waste my time?”**

**“If this is it, there’s no reason to keep watching.”**

**“But Kang Woo-jin’s diction isn’t bad.”**

**“Actors who can do this are a dime a dozen.”**

**“This feels like trash already.”**

Criticism far outweighed praise—almost to the point of being an insult fest. It was an expected reaction.

Many in Hollywood had similar initial reactions.

“Hmm? This is action?”

“It’s... a bit underwhelming.”

“Can this even be called action?”

But those opinions didn’t last long. On screen, the scene shifted to Jang Yeon-woo’s past. Suddenly, Woo-jin was shown in a dimly lit forest or mountain at night, where distant animal cries could be heard.

His outfit had completely changed.

Military boots, a uniform, a bulletproof vest, an earpiece radio, and a handgun at his side.

And an M4 Carbine slung over his shoulder.

From this point, reactions began to shift.

**“Wait, what? What’s going on?”**

**“This feels like a complete genre change.”**

**“An M4 Carbine? Is there going to be a shootout?”**

**“No way. They didn’t seem to spend that much money on this.”**

**“Whoa, I’m starting to get really excited!”**

Miley Cara’s voice was heard for the first time.

**[“Proceed.”]**

Woo-jin’s character smoothly infiltrated a mansion

. Cara’s voice rang out again.

**[“The interior is just as briefed. J, it’s up to you.”]**

*Beneficial Evil* was suddenly:

**[“Grenade! Grenade!!”]**

A match for Hollywood action films in terms of quality.

**[Boom!!]**

Explosions and gunfire erupted. The scenes were neither cheesy nor weak. They were stylish and visually striking.

**[Ratatatat!]

**[Bang bang bang!]**

The astonishing part was Kang Woo-jin’s action performance. His action sequences left audiences around the world with their jaws dropped.

**“Wow, Kang Woo-jin is good!”**

**“This is awesome! Way beyond expectations!! And the action scenes are so clean! What is this? A Korean project?”**

**“The quality of the production is impressive, but Kang Woo-jin’s action skills are something else, aren’t they?”**

**“It’s not just decent; it’s amazing! He’d stand out even in a Hollywood film.”**

**“It’s just starting, so we’ll need to see more, but honestly, achieving this level takes serious skill.”**

And this was just the beginning.

**[“Where’s J?”]**

Episode 2 began with the introduction of Miley Cara’s mysterious character, “L,” while J (Woo-jin) disappeared and reappeared. Both past and present timelines intertwined, and the overall quality of *Beneficial Evil* kept climbing.

Then, toward the end of Episode 2:

**[“Move quickly.”]**

Woo-jin, now wearing a torn black T-shirt and jeans, stood in a rundown building. Specifically, he was in a room with six armed thugs wielding AK-47s, pistols, and long knives.

Then:

**[“That guy!!”]**

**[“Watch out!!!”]**

The scene hit its climax.

**[Bang! Bang!]**

Blood splattered as one of the thugs’ heads burst open, marking the start of an over-10-minute continuous take featuring Woo-jin’s intense CQC (close-quarters combat), meticulously crafted by director Song Man-woo.

It was impossible not to notice.

The camera work and directing had no visible edits. The only things on display were Woo-jin’s fluid action and CQC, continuing uninterrupted for over 10 minutes. The final line was:

**[“I need a car.”]**

Of course, the camera zoomed in on Woo-jin, now blood-soaked.

From this point on, the global audience’s reaction was clear:

**“A continuous take? Is that really what it is?”**

**“Yes! It’s incredibly long! Wow, the continuous take is amazing!”**

**“Kang Woo-jin’s movements are pure CQC?? And so elegant!!!”**

**“Wow, this is impressive. It’s on par with Hollywood.”**

**“The continuous action scene is phenomenal, and Kang Woo-jin’s CQC is flawless.”**

**“Kang Woo-jin’s acting is great, and the action is so stylish!”**

Criticism was nowhere to be found. Only praise filled the air.

The next day, February 4th. Korea.

It was past 10 a.m., and Netflix Korea was buzzing with activity. The largest meeting room was packed. General Director Kim So-hyang and all the team leaders were present, talking non-stop. Each had a laptop in front of them. Kim So-hyang was on a call, speaking in English.

It was no wonder.

*Beneficial Evil* had launched in over 80 countries on the 3rd, and now, on the 4th, they had to monitor reactions and ratings from around the world.

After about 30 minutes:

“D-Director Kim!!”

One team leader called out, showing their laptop to Kim So-hyang. She glanced at the screen, and her eyes widened.

“Is this for real?!”

It was a look of joy mixed with shock.

Meanwhile, in LA.

It was afternoon in LA, unlike the morning in Korea. Kang Woo-jin was in a moving van.

“…”

Wearing a blazer and single-breasted coat, his expression was serious, but inside, he thought:

“*Beneficial Evil* was a hit yesterday. Even I found it incredibly fun, and it’s my own project. But—when do we get the results? I’m kind of anxious.”

He was more nervous than he let on. The global release of *Beneficial Evil* had him on edge. He’d received plenty of messages the day before, from Miley Cara to countless colleagues. Maybe that’s why he was even more anxious now. Regardless, he was on his way to an interview with a major Hollywood media outlet. When the van reached the towering building, he stepped out.

Thud!

As he walked confidently toward the entrance, someone called out to him excitedly from behind.

“Woo-jin!”

Turning around, he saw Choi Sung-gon running up, holding his phone. He showed Woo-jin the screen without a word. Displayed was an international news article.

**“CNM: Korean drama *Beneficial Evil* takes America by storm! Hits #1 on U.S. Netflix upon launch!”**

Out of 80 countries, *Beneficial Evil* had debuted at #1 in the U.S.