Chapter 411: Roaring sound (6)

Translator: Santos

The *Mise-en-scène Short Film Festival* had consistently invited Kang Woo-jin each year. It was natural—Woo-jin had won the festival’s first-ever “Best Acting Award,” and his fame had only grown since then. In fact, the award became so synonymous with him that it had even been informally renamed the “Kang Woo-jin Award.”

However, Woo-jin had always turned down their invitations, not for any particular reason, but simply because he was too busy. This year was no exception. When the invitation arrived as Woo-jin was departing for LA, he politely declined, uncertain of his Hollywood schedule. Yet, unexpectedly, Kang Woo-jin made an appearance at the *Mise-en-scène* festival. No one knew. In fact, no one was even aware he was in Korea, including the domestic press and public opinion.

He had returned under a veil of secrecy. Woo-jin had entered Korea without alerting anyone, primarily to avoid the frenzy of reporters and fans crowding the airport. Only a select few knew he was back.

His arrival was like a bolt of lightning.

Though he had declined the invitation, his schedule happened to align perfectly with the festival. And so, Kang Woo-jin found himself at the back of the festival hall.

“…”

Despite his cynical expression, he felt a surge of emotion mixed with a hint of nostalgia.

“Man, it’s been a while since I’ve been at *Mise-en-scène*! It feels like yesterday that I won my first acting award here, but that was years ago.”

Behind him, Choi Sung-geon, his manager with his signature ponytail, patted Woo-jin on the shoulder.

“Feeling nostalgic? You got the ‘Best Acting Award’ here, and that’s where you first met Director Kyotaro, remember?”

“Yes, Director.”

How could he forget? That was also the first time he’d showcased his Japanese on stage. It had caused quite a stir back then, with top actress Hong Hye-yeon winning Best Actress and Woo-jin taking the grand prize.

“Heh, you know people call it the ‘Kang Woo-jin Award’ now, right?”

Woo-jin was well aware of this. New actors were clamoring to win it, and the value of the “Kang Woo-jin Award” only increased as Woo-jin’s fame grew.

“It’s the trickle-down effect. Your name has such a strong influence that the ‘Kang Woo-jin Award’ keeps gaining impact. *Mise-en-scène* used to be famous for scouting new directors, but since the ‘Kang Woo-jin Award’ was introduced, it’s become a hotbed for rookie actors too.”

Last year’s winner had become a rising star, gaining momentum thanks to the award’s prestige. The festival had become a stepping stone for new actors, a virtuous cycle of sorts.

Soon, Sung-geon sidled up next to Woo-jin again.

“The rookie actor winning the ‘Kang Woo-jin Award’ this year hit the jackpot. The award is already making waves in the industry, and today, the award is being presented by none other than Kang Woo-jin himself, fresh off a Hollywood return! If I were an actor, I’d be in tears.”

It was a spot-on observation. This unprecedented attention would give the rookie actor an experience they’d never had before. Woo-jin wondered briefly.

“Think they’ll actually cry? Still… it is pretty surreal to see an award with my name on it.”

Then, with a soft rustle, Woo-jin, dressed in a sharp suit, walked onto the stage. It wasn’t a massive stage, but the hundreds of people in the audience were enough to make an impression. The host, seeing Woo-jin up close, gaped in awe.

“Wo— It’s really Kang Woo-jin.”

It was as if they were seeing a legendary creature, not a mere celebrity. That was a testament to Woo-jin’s global influence. Ignoring the fanfare, Woo-jin calmly locked eyes with the host, signaling for the microphone. Startled, the host hurriedly handed it over. Holding the mic, Woo-jin scanned the crowd filled with industry heavyweights, top actors, rookie directors, and aspiring actors.

“Oh, Director Kwon Gi-taek… It’s been a while. And Director Shin Dong-chun is here too.”

Many of the big names were close acquaintances of Woo-jin. However, they all stared at him with wide eyes, clearly not expecting him to show up. Newcomers, in particular, looked like they’d seen a ghost, their reactions varied and animated.

One thing was certain.

“Hello, I’m Kang Woo-jin.”

His deep, low greeting resonated, drawing the awe-struck eyes of the audience. The warm, smiling Director Kwon Gi-taek, seated in the front row, chuckled.

“He must have snuck back into Korea. And his first stop is the *Mise-en-scène* Festival? Woo-jin may seem cold, but he’s sentimental in his own way. You can never quite read him.”

Square-jawed Director Shin Dong-chun waved enthusiastically at Woo-jin.

Meanwhile…

“W-What?! Kang Woo-jin?!”

In the back, a group of reporters erupted in shock.

“Why is Kang Woo-jin here?! Isn’t he supposed to be in Hollywood?!”

“This is huge! Move over if you don’t want to get the shot!”

“Whoa, right after coming back from Hollywood, he’s here to personally present the ‘Kang Woo-jin Award’? This year’s winner hit the jackpot!”

It was no wonder they were in a frenzy. The flashes, which had been relatively calm before, now blazed incessantly.

Through it all, Woo-jin announced smoothly into the mic, “I’m sure many of you are waiting, so let’s get straight to the announcement.”

With a hint of mischief, he deliberately mentioned the “Kang Woo-jin Award” before calling the rookie’s name.

“Congratulations to actress Seo Ji-won for winning the ‘Kang Woo-jin Award,’ otherwise known as the ‘Best Acting Award.’”

A young actress seated in the middle of the audience shot to her feet, screaming in disbelief.

“Eek! Me?! Really?!”

She bounded up to the stage, clearly stunned, her excitement palpable. Though short in stature, she was strikingly attractive. Interestingly, her demeanor shifted entirely once she was next to Woo-jin. Her high-energy entrance faded into awestruck silence.

“A-Ah… Wow, Sunbae-nim. This is so… amazing. Th-Thank you.”

While Woo-jin kept a calm exterior, he felt the need to help her relax.

“She’s really nervous. Should I try to calm her down a bit?”

Before handing her the trophy, Woo-jin offered his hand for a handshake, saying simply, “I look forward to seeing you on set.”

It was a straightforward remark, carrying an encouragement to work hard and meet again someday. But Seo Ji-won…

“Wh-What? I-I’ll see you on set? Hic… Hic—” 

Overcome, she burst into tears on stage. Woo-jin kept his poker face, though he was bewildered inside.

“Why? Why is she crying? Did I say something wrong?”

After some time, Seo Ji-won managed to calm down, and the “Kang Woo-jin Award” trophy was handed to her. However, it was clear her gaze was more focused on Woo-jin than on the trophy, her eyes filled with reverence.

Following many more awards, the *Mise-en-scène Short Film Festival* concluded.

Woo-jin stayed for a scheduled photo session, snapping countless shots for the press and even posing for a few with Seo Ji-won. The starstruck rookie actress thanked him profusely, promising, “I’ll work so hard, Sunbae-nim! I’ll make sure we get to act together on set!”

“Yes, see you then,” Woo-jin replied.

After chatting with veteran directors like Kwon Gi-taek, Shin Dong-chun, and Kim Do-hee, Woo-jin finally wrapped up the session and returned to his black van, feeling thoroughly drained.

“Whew—that was intense.”

The van, filled with chatter from his team, headed toward his residence in Samsung-dong. After arriving home, Woo-jin, exhausted, let himself collapse onto his bed.

“Ahh… It’s been too long since I’ve been home.”

And with that, Woo-jin fell into a deep sleep, while the media buzzed about his unexpected return to Korea.

---

**Media Headlines:**

- *[StarPhoto] World Star Kang Woo-jin Appears at ‘Mise-en-scène Short Film Festival’*
- *Kang Woo-jin Returns to Korea to Present ‘Kang Woo-jin Award’*
- *“A Dream Come True” — Seo Ji-won, Recipient of the ‘Kang Woo-jin Award,’ Sheds Tears of Joy*

The news of Woo-jin’s quiet return to Korea spread like wildfire, even reaching Japan with headlines proclaiming, “The Prince Returns.”

As he slept, unaware, Korea continued to buzz with excitement over his surprise appearance.

While Woo-jin slept soundly, Korea was anything but quiet. The media continued to churn out articles about his unexpected appearance, the awards ceremony, and his impact on the young actress who won the *Kang Woo-jin Award*. News outlets were flooded with updates, and online forums were abuzz with reactions.

**Online Reactions:**

- “Did Kang Woo-jin seriously just show up out of nowhere? Talk about legendary!”
- “Of all the places to go when he returns to Korea, he chose *Mise-en-scène*, where he won his first award. Pure nostalgia!”
- “This guy’s a legit world star now, no doubt about it.”
- “Woo-jin just has a way of making everything he does so dramatic, haha.”
- “Insane… He’s the lead in two major Hollywood films, but he still finds time for this.”
- “Ugh, I can’t wait to see him as the Beast, but does he really fit the role? Not sure about it…”
- “Enough with the hate! Woo-jin is the real deal, period. He’s on a whole different level.”
- “A Korean actor in a Hollywood lead role… Wow, just wow.”

---

Woo-jin instinctively woke up around 1 a.m., his phone buzzing with notifications.

“Oh, what’s with all these messages?” he muttered, rubbing his eyes as he checked the countless calls, texts, and social media mentions.

Korea was abuzz with his return.

Meanwhile, in Los Angeles…

While it was early morning in Korea, it was just past noon in LA. Despite Woo-jin’s secretive departure, Hollywood was still swirling with news about him, especially regarding his recent role in *Beauty and the Beast* and the continued buzz around *Beneficial Evil*, which was holding steady as a global sensation.

In a Columbia Studios meeting room, a group of foreign executives, along with a single older Korean man, were wrapping up a conversation. The Korean man was Director Ahn Ga-bok, the mind behind *Piero: Birth of a Villain*.

“Well then, I’ll be counting on you, Chris,” said Director Ahn as he shook hands with a tall, handsome Hollywood star with dark brown eyes.

“It’s my pleasure, Director. I’ll do my best to bring the kind of performance that supports the cinematic universe,” replied Chris Hartnett with a confident smile.

Once Chris and his team exited the meeting room, a female producer on the *Piero* project exhaled in relief.

“Phew—Chris Hartnett is confirmed. I still can’t believe he wanted a role that wasn’t the lead.”

The other foreigners in the room nodded in agreement, but Director Ahn, deep in thought, glanced at his tablet displaying the film’s projected schedule. He murmured to himself in Korean, as if setting a reminder.

“We’ll need to have the script reading ready by May at the latest.”