Chapter 405: Full Bloom (11)

Translator: Santos

 

February 14th, late morning. LA.

Around the time when the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (ATAS) had taken note of *Beneficial Evil* for the Primetime Emmy Awards, Kang Woo-jin, unaware of this development, was en route in a large van. With the recent completion of the *Beauty and the Beast* audition, Woo-jin had wrapped up all his major engagements in LA, leaving only smaller activities on his schedule.

‘Let’s see—this morning I have a recording, and in the afternoon, a meeting at Columbia Pictures. Being here makes the schedule simple and convenient.’

Dressed in a hoodie with the hood pulled down low, Woo-jin was headed to a studio rented for recording and shooting content for his “Kang Woo-jin Alternate” channel. Following that, he would head to Columbia Pictures for a meeting. Despite being in LA, Woo-jin hadn’t neglected his channel and had continued to record and film content since his arrival.

New videos were being uploaded, albeit at a slower pace.

The meetings with Columbia Pictures would be frequent for a while. Now that the *Cinematic Universe* project and his lead role in *Piero: Birth of a Villain* were confirmed, the pre-production of the film was gaining momentum. Other castings and team preparations were underway.

At this point, there wasn’t much for Kang Woo-jin to do.

‘While other actors are probably pouring over the script right now—’

He had already grasped Henry Gordon from *Piero*. Compared to before, Woo-jin, with his improved skills and professional growth, still took time to read scripts to enhance his portrayal through “role synthesis” or “role flexibility.” However, even this was a simpler task for him compared to other Hollywood actors.

‘Even if I follow Columbia’s requests, I’ll have some spare time. Tsk, if I get the Beast role, it’ll be better. Wonder when I’ll hear back?’

The *Beauty and the Beast* audition had concluded just two days ago, so expecting immediate feedback was unrealistic. Whatever the case, life in LA before any filming started was a paradise for Woo-jin. It was almost unsettling compared to the hellish schedule he faced daily in Korea.

Woo-jin, maintaining a serious expression, looked out the window crowded with cars. Suddenly, the image of the giant, Joseph, popped into his mind.

‘That giant kept pestering about showing me the script when it’s ready—hasn’t happened yet?’

Joseph Felton, working with Universal Movies, another “Big Five” studio, had met Woo-jin at Cannes in October. It had been about five months since then.

‘Well, it’s not like scriptwriting happens overnight.’

Especially in Hollywood, where it could take even longer. Nearby, his team members were buzzing about the global #1 ranking of *Beneficial Evil* on Netflix.

“Wow—first Korean drama to hit world #1! Gives me chills!”

“Media in Korea, Japan, even here in the US are going crazy!”

“Other countries must be the same, right? This is the first time a drama from Asia has had this kind of impact!”

“Honestly, *Beneficial Evil* feels like it’s going to blow past all expectations! I mean, it already is!”

Woo-jin silently agreed. There was no way an EX-level show like *Beneficial Evil* would stop here. Though he was ecstatic enough inside to dance in joy, he kept his cool and casually checked his phone.

-Swish.

He had already checked the state of both domestic and foreign news and public opinion. This time, he opened his “Kang Woo-jin Alternate” channel.

[Channel Name: Kang Woo-jin Alternate]

[Subscribers: 47.71 million]

[Videos: 123]

The subscriber count was nearing 50 million, and it was still growing at a rapid pace.

‘Wow, 50 million? This is insane.’

Though it was reality, it felt surreal to Woo-jin. With 50 million subscribers, his influence was undeniable both in Korea and internationally. Globally, he was within the top 50, and in Korea, he was ranked fourth. While there were still many channels ahead, in terms of growth, Woo-jin was number one.

He clicked on a recent video.

Newly joined subscribers were flooding the comments, in various languages from around the world. About 70% were supportive and positive comments, while 30% ranged from critical to outright negative ones, especially relating to *Beauty and the Beast*.

Negative comments had spread from Korea to an international stage.

But Woo-jin, as always, was unfazed.

‘Trolls are everywhere, aren’t they? Go ahead and type away; your fingers will just get tired.’

He felt no impact whatsoever. After browsing his YouTube channel for a bit, he switched to another platform: social media.

-@Wooji_n

Posts: 308

Followers: 61.98 million

Following: 166

His follower count here was also exploding. Of course, the volume of negative comments had risen as well. Still, this was proof of Woo-jin’s skyrocketing global recognition.

Just then—

-Brrr.

A new direct message came in. It was from Chris Hartnett, a top Hollywood actor Woo-jin had recently connected with. The initial approach had come from Chris himself. Seeing a DM from one of Hollywood’s elite made Woo-jin smirk internally.

‘I’m actually exchanging DMs with Chris Hartnett.’

He read the message, which was a photo of Chris watching *Beneficial Evil* along with a brief comment: “Your action scenes are impressive.”

‘I’m more surprised that you sent me a DM, buddy.’

Woo-jin replied modestly, masking his amusement, while thinking about *Beneficial Evil*.

‘Ah, is it time to start shooting Part 2 soon?’

Meanwhile, in New York.

Among the large buildings in the city’s heart, one stood out as the biggest. It was the headquarters of a major American broadcast network. Inside, in one of the meeting rooms, about eight people were gathered.

What stood out were the photos lining the walls.

They depicted various talk shows featuring countless Hollywood stars, with over ten photos showcasing famous guests.

The reason was simple.

These people were the main production team of the *Jamie Show*, America’s top-rated talk show. Miley Cara had appeared on it before, and her picture was also on the wall. At the time, she had mentioned Woo-jin during her appearance, briefly making him a hot topic in both international and Korean media.

The *Jamie Show* was a prestigious program, a hallmark of being a Hollywood star.

Its long history had seen countless superstars come through. Yet, no Korean actor had ever appeared—until now. This was about to change for an obvious reason.

The production team of the *Jamie Show*—

“Kang Woo-jin. We need to get him on the show now.”

“I agree. Honestly, we should have moved sooner. Rumor has it that other shows are eyeing him too.”

“There’s so much material to cover: Cannes, his recent *Beauty and the Beast* audition, his connection with Miley Cara, and even *Piero: Birth of a Villain*. There’s plenty of content.”

They were set on having Woo-jin as their first Korean guest.

“Less talk, more action. Let’s reach out immediately.”

The next day, February 15th, Woo-jin received the invitation.

“Woo-jin! The *Jamie Show* wants you! The *Jamie Show*, can you believe it?!”

Choi Sung-geon was practically jumping with excitement.

In contrast, Woo-jin remained calm.

“Is that so?”

His tone was in character, but he genuinely felt composed. He had heard of the show and watched it a few times, but it didn’t make a huge impression. All he knew was that it was a popular American talk show. However, Choi Sung-geon was ecstatic.

“Yeah, man! I mean, this is the *Jamie Show*! Isn’t this huge? And it’s a solo appearance! This is like a confirmation that you’ve made it big here! Your recognition will skyrocket!”

“It’s good.”

“...When you stay so calm, it feels weird for me. Anyway—there’s no point explaining more. It’s America’s top talk show, and the timing couldn’t be better. *Beneficial Evil* is already blowing up, but this will boost it even more. Same goes for your other projects. Do you want to do it? If you don’t, we can pass.”

Despite his words, Sung-geon’s eyes screamed, “Please! Please!!” Woo-jin also thought appearing on the show wouldn’t be bad. It would be his first time, and he was curious.

‘But... can I handle a solo appearance?’

He felt a slight tension. A solo appearance on America’s top talk show was nerve-wracking, but curiosity won out. Woo-jin answered nonchalantly.

“Let’s do it.”

“Great! I’ll set it up right away!”

The news that Woo-jin would appear on the *Jamie Show* broke the next morning.

Starting in Korea—

『[Star Issue] Kang Woo-jin confirmed to appear on Hollywood’s top talk show, the *Jamie Show*!』

『Already joining the ranks of Hollywood stars? Kang Woo-jin to make a solo appearance on the *Jamie Show*』

And then international outlets—

『LA TIMES: “Kang Woo-jin, the first Korean actor to appear on the *Jamie Show*”』

Being the first Korean actor to appear on the *Jamie Show* was no small feat. Woo-jin, already making waves with multiple achievements

 in Hollywood, saw his brand power surge even higher.

Woo-jin met with the *Jamie Show* production team on the morning of the 17th.

“Oh, hello!”

“Good to meet you.”

The *Jamie Show* team had flown to LA, moving urgently to seize the moment. The meeting didn’t take long, lasting about two hours. The most important outcome was the recording date.

February 22nd, confirmed.

Naturally, Woo-jin would have to fly to New York for the show. This news also spread quickly in Korea and internationally.

And—

『World #1 *Beneficial Evil*, entering its second week with continued explosive global interest!』

*Beneficial Evil* remained at the top spot globally.

February 21st. LA.

The time was just past 11 a.m. Kang Woo-jin arrived at the 5 million-square-foot set complex known as *spt Studio*, where he had auditioned for the role of the Beast. This would be where *Beauty and the Beast* would eventually be filmed.

Among the many warehouse-sized stages, Woo-jin got out of the vehicle at—

-Thump!

The stage containing the grand banquet hall set.

“...”

He stared silently at the massive warehouse-like structure. His expression was stoic, but inside, he was curious.

‘Why did they call me here again?’

In fact, Woo-jin had been summoned back to the set by *Walt Disney Pictures*, or more precisely, by *Beauty and the Beast*’s director, Bill Roettner. The request had come suddenly, and Woo-jin, along with Choi Sung-geon and a few team members, made their way to the stage.

Near the entrance, a few foreign staff members were present. After a brief greeting, Woo-jin walked into the awe-inspiring banquet hall set.

It was dimly lit, with only a few lights on.

There were foreign staff members Woo-jin hadn’t seen during the audition. One older foreigner, noticing Woo-jin’s presence, approached with a smile.

“Welcome, Mr. Kang.”

It was Bill Roettner, the director, half-bald and pushing up his black-rimmed glasses as he extended a hand.

“Sorry for the sudden call.”

Maintaining his impassive expression, Woo-jin replied briefly.

“No problem.”

“Shall we talk for a moment?”

Woo-jin nodded, giving a glance to Choi Sung-geon behind him, and followed Bill Roettner to the center of the set. The director spoke first.

“Since the audition, it’s been a whirlwind of discussions. There’s been a lot to talk about. Unfortunately, we can only choose one actor, and time isn’t infinite.”

Bill Roettner met Woo-jin’s eyes.

“Global fans of *Beauty and the Beast* still have doubts about you. Perhaps because your fame has recently surged, the controversy hasn’t faded quickly.”

Woo-jin thought to himself. Rejection? Is this old man building up to let me down? The director’s preamble was long, and the atmosphere suggested as much. Woo-jin remained silent and listened.

“...”

Bill Roettner gestured towards the golden piano in the corner of the set.

“Would you like to take a seat?”

Woo-jin kept his poker face as he sat at the piano. Bill Roettner, watching Woo-jin, continued.

“But we’ve decided to endure those controversies for this vision.”

He smiled.

“Please, bring the world’s cherished memories to life as Disney’s Beast.”