Chapter 415: Damang (4)

Translator: Santos

The news that Hollywood giant Danny Landis would direct Universal Movies’ latest project caused a significant stir in Hollywood. Landis, a legendary director, was known for directing only films he wrote himself. The fact that he joined an existing project was almost unheard of.

The media buzzed with reports about Landis’s unprecedented move. 

For Woo-jin, however:

‘Makes sense. Joseph seemed desperate, so naturally, he’s moving fast. This Danny Landis guy must be a big deal in Hollywood, huh?’

Woo-jin smiled slightly, but he didn’t feel any strong emotions. He knew that Director Landis was famous worldwide, yet to him, Landis was simply another veteran filmmaker, like Director Ahn Ga-bok back in Korea. Casually, Woo-jin scrolled through a few more news articles about Landis and Universal Movies, noting that his own name frequently came up in the reports.

**Headline:** *LA TIMES: Danny Landis Takes on His First-Ever Film for Universal Movies. What About Those Woo-jin Kang Rumors?*

The reason Landis had agreed to direct the project was simple: Joseph Felton, who had traveled to Korea and offered Woo-jin an unprecedented audition-free role, secured Landis's approval. Felton had likely worked fast to persuade the renowned director to take the helm.

With the director now in place, Woo-jin’s role was simply to watch the process unfold.

‘Now that they’ve chosen the director, they’ll likely revise the script, finalize the title, and start prepping the film.’

At that moment:

-Swoosh.-

Choi Sung-geon and the rest of Woo-jin’s team gathered around him. As the group began walking toward the *Beneficial Evil* set, Sung-geon leaned over and whispered.

“Since you already agreed, you’re effectively confirmed as the lead. But I noticed that Universal announced Landis but left you out. Any idea why?”

“Yes, I saw that too.”

“Well, we could contact them to confirm, but they’re probably timing it to coincide with the title announcement.”

Woo-jin simply nodded. Whether Universal planned to drum up more buzz or to announce him at the perfect moment, it made little difference. The global media frenzy surrounding him was already intense. Between *Beneficial Evil* and his Hollywood projects, he was a daily headline.

As Woo-jin entered the set, dozens of staff members greeted him enthusiastically, and the rookie actors cast for *Part 2* followed suit. Woo-jin acknowledged their greetings with his usual stoic demeanor and joined PD Song Man-woo to discuss the day’s filming. Observing Woo-jin from afar, the rookie actors whispered excitedly among themselves.

“Did you see the article? They say Danny Landis is directing the new Universal Movies project that Woo-jin sunbae might join.”

“What? No way! Danny Landis? He’s a huge Hollywood director!”

“But isn’t Woo-jin sunbae’s involvement still just a rumor?”

“It is, but I’m 99.9% sure it’s true. Why else would a big-time producer fly to Korea out of nowhere?”

“Rumor or not, Woo-jin sunbae is a total legend. Who would’ve thought we’d see a Korean actor mentioned in so many Hollywood articles?”

“If he lands Universal too, he’s not just a star—he’s practically a myth.”

Just being in the same production as Woo-jin felt like a privilege to them, and they couldn’t help but admire him.

“It’s crazy that he’s made it here in only three years.”

Meanwhile, as Woo-jin discussed the shoot with PD Song, the director leaned over and whispered, barely able to contain his curiosity.

“Woo-jin, I respect Director Landis a lot, so…what’s going on with Universal Movies? Tell me, just between us, okay?”

Woo-jin replied with a brief, nonchalant answer, “You’ll hear good news soon enough.”

Though rumors were swirling, Woo-jin remained focused and steadily pushed forward with the filming of *Beneficial Evil Part 2*. With the experience from filming *Part 1*, the team’s synergy had only improved, and the shoot proceeded smoothly.

“Cut! Perfect! Woo-jin, that was great! Let’s get another full shot!”

The set was filled with praise rather than corrections, and they sped through the shooting schedule faster than ever.

To Woo-jin, each week felt like an hour as he balanced his packed schedule with filming. His endless list of commitments made each day feel like a whirlwind. Filming, events, filming again—it was an exhausting, endless cycle.

‘Wow, that week went by like nothing.’

Meanwhile, rumors about Universal Movies grew stronger, and progress on the project moved quickly.

**Headline:** *LA TIMES: Danny Landis Has First Meeting with Universal Movies! But What About Kang Woo-jin?*

And the success of *Beneficial Evil Part 1* continued to hold global audiences.

**Headline:** *Beneficial Evil Maintains Top Spot in 80 Countries for Two Straight Months, Eyes Emmy Potential*

Public interest, both in the U.S. and worldwide, remained at an all-time high. Even three months after its release, the series showed no signs of losing popularity.

- *Overseas Reactions to Beneficial Evil—A Must-Watch!*
- *K-Drama Ending Shock! Foreign Fans React to Beneficial Evil Finale*
- *“How Do Koreans Handle This?” International Fans React to Beneficial Evil*
- *Global Phenomenon Beneficial Evil Covers from Foreign News Outlets*

With Woo-jin’s projects generating non-stop buzz, the prestigious Baeksang Arts Awards approached at the end of April in Korea. Given Woo-jin’s recent successes, his attendance was highly anticipated.

**Headline:** *Will Kang Woo-jin Attend Baeksang After Dominating Korean Film with Top Three Hits?*

With his record-breaking success in *Island of the Missing* and *Leech*, Woo-jin’s participation could make or break the ratings. Though his grueling schedule made it uncertain, BW Entertainment confirmed his attendance.

**Headline:** *Kang Woo-jin to Attend Baeksang! Award Show Rejoices*

This marked Woo-jin’s second Baeksang. For most actors, a second Baeksang would still make them newcomers, but Woo-jin was different; he was a top contender for Best Actor.

---

-Flashes!-

Under a barrage of flashing cameras, Woo-jin walked down the red carpet, his face calm and collected.

‘Ugh, it’s so bright. This is insane.’

And just like at Cannes and the Blue Dragon Awards:

**“In the film category, Best Actor! Congratulations, Woo-jin Kang for *Leech*!** 

In a sleek black tuxedo, Woo-jin accepted another prestigious award, stepping up to the mic amidst hundreds of spectators, broadcast crew members, and journalists all fixated on him. His acceptance speeches had become his signature, but this time, he kept it simple.

“Thank you. I look forward to bringing home a trophy from Hollywood soon.”

The statement immediately sparked headlines. With his latest victory at Baeksang, Woo-jin had now swept Korea’s three major film awards.

**Headline:** *World Star Woo-jin Kang Wins Major Acting Awards in Korea, Blue Dragon, Daejong, and Baeksang!*

It was only the beginning.

**Headline:** *Triple Crown for Best Actor! Next, the Emmys? Or the Oscars?*

---

May 1, LA.

April flew by, and the first day of May dawned. In a large conference room at Universal Movies, over 30 executives and staff members gathered. Familiar faces were scattered around, including Joseph Felton and head producer Megan Stone. All were assembled for a final read-through of the completed script.

Across from Felton sat Danny Landis, the legendary director, reading through the same script Woo-jin had received. Alongside him, the assembled staff were reviewing nearly finalized scripts, ready to approve the last edits and finalize a title before pre-production could begin.

Landis neared the script’s end, stroking his chin thoughtfully. He was impressed with the overall project, yet the title still didn’t sit right with him.

Several potential titles had been proposed by Universal and Felton’s team, but…

‘None of them resonate.’

Landis’s mind drifted back to the core themes: the spy-thriller aspect, the duality of a protagonist inspired by *Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde* combined with dissociative identity disorder.

‘But those are just elements.’

The script’s main focus was espionage and action, revolving around a world of covert operatives, filled with crime and intrigue. While the protagonist’s psychological struggles added depth, the true essence was a suspenseful spy action-thriller.

‘It’s more restrained and intense than flashy.’

Felton, observing Landis’s quiet contemplation, finally broke the silence.

“I think the script doesn’t need further revisions. What’s your opinion, Director?”

Landis removed his round glasses and nodded.

“I’m satisfied with it.”

“Excellent. Then we’ll finalize the script and send it out to the cast, including Woo-jin. But first…”

“We need a title.”

Felton gave Landis a knowing look, silently urging him to share his thoughts. After a moment of contemplation, Landis finally spoke.

“The core of this film is the protagonist, and his role is profound. I think we should include his name in the title, along with a hint of his duality.”

Landis looked directly at Felton and shared his idea for the title.

“How about *John Persona*?”

Two days later, Universal Movies formally announced the title of their new film, *John Persona*. Kang Woo-jin’s name was also included

 in the official cast announcement.