Chapter 410: Roaring sound (5)

Translator: Santos

 

Kang Woo-jin's mind raced as soon as he heard Miley Cara's words over the phone.

‘Huh? Does this mean—’

Was she confirmed as Belle? It would make sense, as it seemed unlikely that Cara would call so early just to joke around. Still, Woo-jin made sure to confirm, keeping his voice as calm as possible.

“...You called as Belle, meaning you’re joining me in this?”

“Yes.”

Miley’s voice, tinged with laughter, cut him off quickly.

“I’m Belle. We’re going to complete *Beauty and the Beast* together.”

The confirmation settled it. Woo-jin shared a brief, knowing glance with Choi Sung-geon, who still held his planner, silently mouthing, "What? What is it?" Instead of answering, Woo-jin congratulated Cara.

“Congratulations on becoming Belle, Miley.”

“It feels a bit strange, you know? I expected this to happen, but it’s still nice to hear.”

“You congratulated me first; it’s only right I return the favor.”

“Aha—I thought for a moment that you’d forgotten to congratulate me.”

“I look forward to working with you.”

“Me too, Beast.”

As Woo-jin and Cara talked, the nearby Choi Sung-geon and the team couldn’t contain their excitement. Choi quickly grabbed his phone while the stylists and other team members began to celebrate.

“!!!”

“Wow—oh!” 

They muffled their exclamations, bouncing with joy. It seemed they had all secretly hoped Cara would be chosen. For the team, who had already worked with her on projects like *Beneficial Evil*, having Miley Cara as Belle was a comfortable prospect.

Most importantly—

“This is huge. Woo-jin oppa and Miley Cara starring in *Beauty and the Beast* for the world to see?”

“I’m all for it. They look amazing together on screen.”

“I can’t wait to see it—their chemistry we didn’t get to witness during the auditions.”

The whispered conversations and hopeful glances from the team confirmed it: the pairing of Woo-jin and Cara had high expectations. Woo-jin, noticing their excitement, felt a touch of pride and amusement.

‘Heh, they’re thrilled.’

His heart began to beat a little faster. Although he was used to seeing her, the fact that Miley Cara—a Hollywood superstar—was now confirmed as his co-star in such an iconic film was overwhelming. How could he express this odd mix of emotions?

But now wasn’t the time for excitement. He had to maintain composure.

Strengthening his "unbothered" persona, Woo-jin spoke into the phone in a low voice.

“So, this makes it our second project together.”

Miley’s laughter grew warmer over the phone.

“*Beneficial Evil* was too short. This feels more like our first. And though your agency will probably tell you, how about we shoot a video for YouTube?”

A YouTube video? Woo-jin’s brows furrowed slightly, and he paused before Miley elaborated.

“We haven’t done one since my album project. This could be a nice way for Beast and Belle to greet our global fans. Walt Disney Pictures already said it wouldn’t be an issue. I asked in advance.”

That seemed reasonable enough to Woo-jin.

“Let’s do it.”

By now, Choi Sung-geon had confirmed Miley Cara’s casting through foreign news articles on his phone.

-Swish.

He glanced up at Woo-jin, a wave of awe washing over him. It hadn’t been that long since he first noticed Woo-jin’s potential in the “Assistant Manager” role, but here was Kang Woo-jin—talking on the phone with Miley Cara as the lead of *Beauty and the Beast* in the heart of Hollywood, LA. Choi Sung-geon felt an indescribable surge in his chest.

‘...You’re not just a star. You’re a world-class phenomenon now, Woo-jin.’

Just then, Miley spoke up again through the phone.

“The announcement is already out.”

Her tone carried excitement.

“This will make headlines for a while, won’t it?”

Later.

After wrapping up the call with Miley Cara, Woo-jin climbed into the van to head to his next schedule. While in transit, he checked the global reaction to the news. Needless to say—

‘Wow—geez, articles are exploding everywhere.’

The reports were spreading beyond LA, blanketing the entire U.S.

『CNM: Walt Disney Pictures Announces Official Casting: Miley Cara Confirmed as Belle in *Beauty and the Beast*!』

『LA Times: Miley Cara is Belle! *Beauty and the Beast* Comes to Life with Kang Woo-jin and Miley』

『ABY: Never Have Castings Been This Fast—How High is the On-Screen Chemistry Between Kang Woo-jin and Miley Cara?』

The articles practically radiated excitement and frenzy.

『NT: Kang Woo-jin’s Unexpected Casting and Miley Cara’s Predictable One—What Will Their *Beauty and the Beast* Look Like?』

It was understandable. The announcement of a live-action *Beauty and the Beast* had caused a stir, followed by the bombshell of Kang Woo-jin’s casting. Now, Miley Cara’s confirmation was the icing on the cake. The worldwide interest in the film was so massive that this level of media attention was only natural.

『BBX: Global Audiences Stirred Once Again as Miley Cara is Confirmed for Belle Following Kang Woo-jin’s Casting!』

At this point, all of Hollywood’s major studios and actors were aware of the news, and it was only a matter of time before the world’s media caught on.

Days passed in a flash.

Soon, it was Monday, March 7th.

“Hello, Beast?”

“...Hello, Miley.”

“Oh! Come on, call me Belle too.”

“Maybe next time.”

“You’re no fun.”

That day, Woo-jin and Miley Cara filmed a video for YouTube. The clip would be featured on both Woo-jin’s “Kang Woo-jin Persona” channel and Miley’s YouTube channel. The format was simple:

-♬♪

A duet performance for global fans, a few words from both actors, and some light anecdotes from the audition process. The video was short, but when it was uploaded to Woo-jin’s channel two days later, the impact was massive.

-2.02 million views

In less than 30 minutes, it surpassed 2 million views.

March 12th, early afternoon, South Korea.

The setting was the spacious event hall inside a large building in Seoul. The first thing that stood out was the group of journalists—about a dozen—lined up from the entrance to the back of the hall. The venue, which could hold up to 500 seats and featured a sizable stage, was packed with notable figures.

In the front row sat Kwon Ki-taek, the director known for *The Drug King*, Director Kim Do-hee, who gained fame from *The Dealer*, and Director Shin Dong-chun of *The Detective Agency*, among others.

They were all seated as judges.

Dozens of renowned directors were present, as well as top actors, invited directors, special guest directors from abroad, invited celebrities, and notable industry figures.

At the center of this hall, a banner was displayed:

- “Mise-en-scène Short Film Festival”

This was the renowned short film festival known as the "Blue Dragon" of short films in Korea and a gateway for rising talent. The festival was wrapping up its week-long schedule with its closing and award ceremony.

“The award ceremony will now begin.”

The host’s announcement was met with a flurry of camera flashes from the journalists.

-Ba-ba-ba-ba-bang!

-Ba-ba-ba-ba-bang!

The first award was soon underway.

“Honorable Mention.”

The presenter was Director Shin Dong-chun, who had made his debut at this very festival with *The Detective Agency*. His square jaw stood out as he walked onto the stage, and applause rippled through the crowd of aspiring directors.

“That’s Director Shin Dong-chun, the guy who made it big at the Mise-en-scène.”

“Lucky guy. His lead actor was Kang Woo-jin in his debut film.”

“But wasn’t that when Woo-jin was still a rookie?”

“What does it matter? Woo-jin became a global star in just three years. I heard *The Detective Agency* is even getting a remake abroad. Sure, it was a good film, but let’s be honest, having Kang Woo-jin boosted its appeal.”

The audience was full of aspiring directors, most of whom looked at Shin Dong-chun with envy.

“Either way, the man’s got every right to be proud. His debut was *The Detective Agency*, with Kang Woo-jin as the lead. If I were him, I’d be telling that story to my grandkids.”

“Woo-jin went from a debut to a 10-million-ticket hit the next year, then dominated the top three highest-grossing films in Korea. Now he’s a Hollywood star. If I were Shin Dong-chun, I’d be feeling the pressure.”

“No way, Shin’s got a major film in the works now.”

As the rookie directors chatted, Director Shin passed on the trophy. After that, awards for bronze, gold, and other categories followed.

“And now, we move to the Actor’s Award. Starting this year, only one grand prize will be given.”

It was time for the “Best Actor” award. Hundreds of aspiring actors in the audience swallowed nervously. Only one actor would win.

“I really want it. I want that ‘Kang Woo-jin Award’ so badly.”

The rookie actors whispered their thoughts to the people they came with.

“If you win the ‘Kang Woo

-jin Award,’ it’ll make the news, right?”

“Yeah, a hundred percent. Anything with Woo-jin’s name on it is instant news.”

“Please—please call my name.”

Amusingly, rookie actors had a unique nickname for the “Best Actor” award: the “Kang Woo-jin Award.”

“Why are there so many rookies this year—ugh, I’m screwed.”

“...Everyone’s here for the same reason as you, dummy. They’re all gunning for the ‘Kang Woo-jin Award.’ He was the first to win it when it was introduced, and it was his first trophy too. Ever since then, the ‘Best Actor’ award at the Mise-en-scène has been synonymous with Kang Woo-jin.”

The “Kang Woo-jin Award” was named that way because Woo-jin had been the first to receive it at this festival, and it had been his debut trophy.

Simply put—

“Everyone here wants to be Kang Woo-jin.”

Kang Woo-jin had become the symbol of the “Best Actor” award at the Mise-en-scène Short Film Festival. From then on, rookie actors and directors attending the event started calling it the “Kang Woo-jin Award.” With his name attached, the award gained immense prestige.

It was the one award both journalists and the industry held in the highest regard.

So, it was no wonder rookie actors drooled at the thought.

“Ugh, but—is Director Shin Dong-chun here this year? Is Kang Woo-jin coming?”

“Why would he come? He’s probably too busy rubbing shoulders with Hollywood A-listers in LA.”

“I just—I just really wanted to see him, you know? He’s my role model.”

“If you win, work your butt off. Maybe you’ll get a chance to cross paths with him. Just pray.”

Rookie actors prayed fervently for the award, hoping to catch a bit of his limelight.

Unbeknownst to them, Kang Woo-jin had long become more than just a role model for all rookie actors in Korea. In terms of popularity, he was nearly divine. It was almost like watching the devoted followers of the “Kang Woo-jin Church” in action.

At that moment—

“The Best Actor award will be presented by—”

The male host paused, a staff member whispering something to him. His eyes widened, and he whispered back.

“Are—are you serious? He’s really here?”

If the host didn’t know, the hundreds of attendees certainly didn’t. Still in shock, the host struggled to regain his composure and spoke into the mic.

“Uh, I’m sorry. Let me try that again. The Best Actor award will be presented by someone truly extraordinary.”

At his words, journalists at the back began murmuring.

“Someone extraordinary? Who is he talking about?”

“Anyone know? I’ve never heard of this.”

“Me neither.”

“No clue. Better be ready to snap some photos just in case.”

They didn’t know who it was, but instinctively raised their cameras. Of course, the directors, A-list actors, and especially the rookie directors and actors in the audience were visibly abuzz with speculation.

Then, the host, still slightly shaken, called out:

“Please, come up to the stage.”

Footsteps echoed as a figure approached.

-Swish.

A man with a sharp suit and an impassive face walked out. The moment his face came into view, the rookie directors and actors gasped and couldn’t help but exclaim:

“Whoa!!”

Their idol, the man who had gone from winning this very award to becoming a “world star” in just three years—

“Kang Woo-jin?!”

It was Kang Woo-jin. The entire room of rookie directors and actors seemed to convulse with shock.

“...It’s really Kang Woo-jin—wow, this is insane.”

Their eyes were wide with disbelief. It made sense. Who would have thought they’d get to see a global star up close?

“His aura is unreal...”

Meanwhile, the real “owner” of the “Kang Woo-jin Award,” who had thrown the room into chaos, remained unfazed. With a calm gaze, he scanned the crowd and spoke into the microphone, his deep voice resonating.

“It’s interesting, presenting an award named after me.”

Kang Woo-jin had returned to Korea.

“Hello, I’m Kang Woo-jin.”