Chapter 401: Full Bloom (7)

Translator: Santos

 

The words "See you at the Oscars," boldly declared by Kang Woo-jin to the hundred or so foreign journalists, left them stunned once again.

“...Ah.”

“Whoa—”

“Goodness.”

“He’s really going all in.”

He truly had no brakes. After delivering a bombshell acceptance speech at Cannes that stirred Hollywood and beyond, one might have expected him to exercise some restraint. But Kang Woo-jin was unbothered.

To these foreign journalists, at this moment, Kang Woo-jin looked like:

'He mentions the Oscars so casually.'

A racehorse with no thoughts of stopping, charging forward without a glance back. His sheer confidence, bordering on arrogance, painted a slight air of cockiness. Journalists, who had been momentarily frozen, began murmuring again.

“Again? He’s talking about the Oscars again?”

“Is he just that bold or simply reckless?”

“His ambition aside—he does come off a bit arrogant.”

“Sure, landing the lead role in *Piero: Birth of a Villain* is impressive, but... isn’t he getting a bit too high and mighty?”

Yet, none of this seemed to faze Woo-jin.

“...”

With an indifferent expression, he scanned the journalists, his face showing little emotion beyond an almost bored calm. But his eyes radiated certainty. To the journalists, this confidence was unmistakable, even though Woo-jin internally felt a bit unsure.

‘Was mentioning the Oscars again a bit much? The journalists’ reactions are a bit mixed. Tch, whatever. Will I die from it?’

Regardless, every one of the hundred or so journalists started typing furiously, cameras flashing like a storm. Reporting on what kind of actor Kang Woo-jin was could wait; for now, getting out articles about him mentioning the Oscars again was the priority. This confirmed that the bombshell at Cannes wasn’t just a fluke. Kang Woo-jin was here to challenge the towering figures of Hollywood.

Soon enough.

“Ah—um.”

The female journalist who had questioned Woo-jin earlier scratched her head and spoke up again.

“Mr. Kang Woo-jin, is it alright if we publish exactly what you said?”

Woo-jin, still calm, nodded.

“Of course.”

His tone implied he couldn’t care less. Director An Ga-bok, standing nearby, smiled, the creases on his face deepening. It was as if to say, ‘He hasn’t changed.’ On the other hand, the executive producer of *Piero: Birth of a Villain* stared at Woo-jin, eyes wide with realization.

‘...Now I understand why he’s such a sensation.’

It was a thought laced with admiration. Though she hadn’t known him long—just from Cannes to the auditions and now to this day—Kang Woo-jin consistently shocked the world with his presence and bold declarations.

‘Star power. That unconventional star power—it’s what brought him this far.’

To the executive producer, the raw, unfiltered version of Kang Woo-jin was both strange and intriguing. In Hollywood, even top actors usually presented a carefully polished image to the world. But Woo-jin?

‘He has the kind of influence to shake up Hollywood... yet he’s rough around the edges. Oddly, it doesn’t come off as unlikeable. He’s... intriguing. A truly unique actor.’

Justified arrogance.

It came from his undeniable talent. The executive producer had witnessed firsthand the extraordinary acting that had made even Chris Hartnett, a giant of Hollywood, withdraw from the competition.

Later.

“Mr. Kang Woo-jin! You’re aware that *Piero: Birth of a Villain* is the start of Columbia’s ‘Cinematic Universe’, right? What are your thoughts on this?”

A barrage of questions followed.

“Do you have any memorable experiences from the ‘Cinematic Universe’ auditions?!”

“Are you confident about the *Beauty and the Beast* auditions?!”

“You mentioned the Oscars again! Can you elaborate on that?!”

The questions covered a variety of topics.

“*Benevolent Evil* is making waves globally right now. How successful do you think it will be?”

“When does filming for *Piero: Birth of a Villain* begin?”

However, Kang Woo-jin only responded to questions related to Columbia Studios and the event at hand. The rest were intercepted by the executive producer, who deftly redirected the focus.

After over thirty minutes passed, the producer, who had a stern demeanor, brought the press conference to a close.

“That will be all. Thank you.”

Despite this, the journalists, clearly unsatisfied, continued to hurl questions at Woo-jin and the *Piero: Birth of a Villain* team as they tidied up on stage. But without looking back, Woo-jin and the crew exited the hall. The rapid-fire of camera flashes ceased. The remaining journalists, still dazed by Woo-jin’s audacious spirit, began making predictions for the future.

“Kang Woo-jin, the lead in *Piero: Birth of a Villain*—I still can’t believe it.”

The unexpected turn of events had them guessing what would come next.

“Could he really... take on *Beauty and the Beast* as well?”

“No way. If that happens, Kang Woo-jin will be making unprecedented waves in Hollywood.”

The speculation spread quickly among them.

Meanwhile.

Outside the hall, the *Piero: Birth of a Villain* team, including Woo-jin, was greeted by smiling Columbia Studios executives.

“That comment was a bit bold, but thanks to it, *Piero: Birth of a Villain* is going to be huge news.”

“Indeed. The impact left behind is tremendous.”

They were satisfied. The executive producer shared in their contentment. After exchanging a few formal goodbyes, Director An Ga-bok remained behind with Woo-jin. The seasoned director extended his hand for a handshake.

“It may be a bit late to say this, but let’s give it our all. You’ve said ‘Oscars’ so boldly that there’s no turning back now.”

Woo-jin’s serious face softened with a hint of nonchalance as he replied.

“It was part of the plan all along.”

“Haha, I know. Still, it’s an honor to be part of this journey with you.”

An Ga-bok patted Woo-jin’s shoulder a couple of times before turning to leave. Just then—

“Woo-jin-ah!”

From behind, Choi Sung-geon, with his ponytail bobbing, approached quickly. As he caught up to Woo-jin, he leaned in and whispered.

“I just got a call from World Disney Pictures.”

He lowered his voice further.

“The date for the audition and screen test is confirmed.”

Later that same day, just past noon in Los Angeles.

Kang Woo-jin sat in a moving van, his face composed but his mind racing.

‘Wow—geez, the articles are coming out this fast?’

He was glancing at international news. The reports were already flooding in. The hundred journalists from the hall had been churning out similar stories in unison.

『LA TIMES / The Dawn of the ‘Cinematic Universe’: *Piero: Birth of a Villain* Confirms Korean Actor Kang Woo-jin as Lead!』

This news had already been spreading while Woo-jin was still fielding questions at the press conference.

『BCN / *Piero: Birth of a Villain* – Kang Woo-jin Wins Lead Role, Triumphs Over Top Actors Like Chris Hartnett: “See You at the Oscars”』

Hollywood was abuzz with news of Woo-jin. The sheer speed at which rumors spread in this vast industry was astonishing. Because of this, even the general public overseas had caught wind of the news. On social media and various international communities, Kang Woo-jin’s name was on fire.

- What? Are these reports real?

- Wow... Kang Woo-jin really won the role?!!

- I always thought he had a chance. Just watch *Benevolent Evil* once, and you’ll get it. His talent is incredible.

- Is Columbia crazy? Handing the starting point of a project that’s been in the making for years to an unproven Korean actor?

- OMG!! Woo-jin beat Chris??!

- He’s proven enough—he won Best Actor at Cannes, didn’t he?

- Cannes is different. In Hollywood, he’s still a newcomer, which is why they say that.

- This is a bit surprising.

·

·

·

Woo-jin read the responses with deep interest.

‘This is chaos. But it’s still kind of surreal hearing foreigners say my name.’

At that moment—

-Bzzz.

A short buzz. It was a text from one of his closest friends, Kim Dae-young.

-Kim Dae-young: Hey, did you land that lead role in *Piero*??!!

Woo-jin tilted his head, then realized—Ah, news must have reached Korea too. Of course, with Hollywood buzzing like this, it would be impossible for Korea not to know. The amusing thing was—

-Bzzz.

-Bzzz.

-Bzzz.

His phone started vibrating non-stop with messages, all in a similar vein to Kim Dae-young’s. Then—

-Bzzz, Bzzzz.

A call came through. The caller ID showed his sister, Kang Hyun-ah. Woo-jin answered with a calm voice.

“Yeah.”

From the other end, Hyun-ah’s excited voice screamed.

“Oppa!!!! Did you really get the part?! Are you really the lead in *Piero*?!”

Geez, you’re going to split my eardrums. Woo-jin silently grumbled as he glanced around at the eyes on him

, keeping his voice low.

“Yeah, that’s right.”

“What?! No way!! Mom! Dad!! Oppa says it’s true! He’s really the lead in that Hollywood movie!!”

It seemed his parents were nearby. Hyun-ah’s voice, still loud, came through again.

“This is insane! Oppa’s breaking into Hollywood... Ah! Oppa! The whole of Korea is going wild over you right now!!”

And indeed, that was true.

While it was past noon in LA, it was early morning in Korea, and Kang Woo-jin’s name was everywhere.

On the phones of people waiting for the subway or bus:

『[Official] Kang Woo-jin Confirmed as Lead in *Piero: Birth of a Villain*!』

『Columbia Studios’ Major Project Features “Korean Director, Korean Actor” – A Complete Picture of “Hollywood Actor Kang Woo-jin” / Photo』 

『After Only Three Years, Kang Woo-jin Becomes a Global Star, Leading a Hollywood Film』

And from car radios stuck in traffic:

“Wow!! Did you see the news? Right now, Hollywood has officially announced that Kang Woo-jin is the lead in *Piero: Birth of a Villain*!”

“I know! I read the article, and I got chills! This is legendary! The first Korean actor to headline a Hollywood film!!”

“Kang Woo-jin, if you’re listening to this radio—congratulations!”

“Haha, I hope he hears it! Anyway, it’s really happening, isn’t it? A Korean director and actor leading a Hollywood movie!”

Not just one channel, but almost all of them. Morning news programs were competing to report on Woo-jin’s unprecedented achievement.

=[“We start this morning with some wonderful news. Actor Kang Woo-jin, currently in LA, has officially broken into Hollywood. He has been cast as the lead in the upcoming movie *Piero: Birth of a Villain*, following a recent audition. The announcement was made at a press conference hosted by Columbia Studios. This marks the first time a Korean actor will lead a Hollywood film. This is Kim Seok-man reporting.”]

Though the wording differed across broadcasts, certain key terms were universal: “Columbia Studios,” “Cinematic Universe,” “Piero: Birth of a Villain,” and “Oscars.”

And—

=[“With Kang Woo-jin’s confirmed lead role in *Piero: Birth of a Villain*, attention has now shifted to the audition for *Beauty and the Beast*, where he is also a finalist.”]

*Beauty and the Beast* was frequently mentioned for a simple reason. If Woo-jin secured that role too, it wouldn’t just be a milestone for Korea; it would be an unprecedented event in Hollywood history.

『Kang Woo-jin, Confirmed Lead in *Piero: Birth of a Villain*, Mentions Oscars Again』

With such a media frenzy, how could the domestic public react any differently?

-!Kang Woo-jin Confirmed as Lead in *Piero: Birth of a Villain*! A Historic Press Conference Moment!!!｜Issue King TV

In short, Kang Woo-jin had effectively taken over the internet.

-Goosebumps...wow...just...wow...

-Hahahahahaha, Woo-jin’s form is insane hahahahaha

-TTTT Oh my god! Congrats, Woo-jin oppa TTTT

-Cripes! The national pride is real!

-Not even as a supporting role, but as the lead, lol. He dominated Cannes, and now he’s set to shake up Hollywood, haha

-I never thought we’d see a Korean actor headlining a Hollywood film...I’m feeling so overwhelmed right now...

-Where are all those guys who said Kang Woo-jin was a nobody, huh? lol

-Legendary lol. If he lands *Beauty and the Beast* too, what happens next???

-What happens? The world will lose it lol.

Naturally, people couldn't stop talking about Kang Woo-jin. From the general public to his family, friends, acquaintances in the industry, and even actors connected to him—it was chaos.

Even Hwa-rin, who had recently become a dedicated fan, was thrilled.

“Ahhh!!! This is amazing!!”

It wasn’t just her. Many, including Hong Hye-yeon, Ryu Jung-min, and Jin Jae-joon, shared the excitement. Domestic directors like Kwon Gi-taek and others were also showering him with praise and admiration.

This news quickly spread beyond Korea, taking over Japan as well.

『Incredible! “Kang Woo-jin” Confirmed as Lead in Hollywood Film *Piero: Birth of a Villain*! A Rising Star!』

The fervor would not subside in just a few days.

---

Days later in LA.

A late morning, at one of the largest film production complexes in the city that resembled an amusement park: *World Disney Pictures*. A van passed through the entrance marked by its iconic logo and sculptures.

The van drove past crowds of tourists—

-Vroom!

It passed staging warehouses, sets, and towering buildings before stopping in the parking lot of a large domed structure. Out stepped a man with dark hair, gazing at the building with a nonchalant expression.

‘This place feels less like a film studio and more like another world. This is so cool.’

It was Kang Woo-jin. Behind him, Choi Sung-geon and the team followed. Sung-geon patted Woo-jin’s shoulder and said,

“Let’s go.”

“Yes.”

Woo-jin walked forward, unaffected. Kang Woo-jin, currently the hottest name in the world, had just set foot in *World Disney Pictures*.

‘Phew—just like always.’

He was there for the *Beauty and the Beast* audition and screen test.