Appearance (2)

 

When Kang Woo-jin first arrived at the reading of ‘Cierrot: Birth of a Villain’, he had one thought.

‘Well, it’s not as different from Korea as I thought, right?’

It wasn’t unfamiliar. Even though Hollywood dominates the world of cinema, there was nothing special about the script reading. The atmosphere itself was almost similar to Korea.

There was only one difference.

Ssak- they are all foreigners.

As expected, it was just as Kang Woo-jin thought. Even though it was Hollywood, which had an enormous name value, there was nothing special about it. Woojin was a little nervous up until the end because it was his first experience reading a script in Hollywood, but even that calmed down due to the similar atmosphere.

On the other hand, his mindset was a little different than usual.

Combat power has increased. Kang Woo-jin is the only Korean actor in this script reading room. Even the male lead of ‘Cierrot: Birth of a Villain’. Although it is said to be a reading in almost the same environment, the background and characters were clearly different. If script reading in Korea was a battle to maintain the quality of the concept, this is a battlefield where one must explode one’s self-esteem as a representative of Korea.

When you pass through this hallway and arrive at the reading area, you will see many Hollywood actors lined up.

‘Everyone is going to look at me, right?’

There was no doubt that he would judge Kang Woo-jin. He is the only Korean actor and male lead in ‘Cierrot: Birth of a Villain’, and is currently causing a stir in Hollywood with various issues. No matter who you are, it’s natural to be curious.

Is this how the national team feels?

Even though no one was attacking him, something hot surged up in Woojin’s heart. Rather than thinking about putting everyone down, it’s more about wanting to make it known. Something like ‘I am Kang Woo-jin’?

But there was no need to panic.

‘If you act too arrogantly and strong, it actually makes you look weak. Okay. Appropriately – Be cool, flexible and resolute. But now it’s time to show your skills for sure.’

By the time Kang Woo-jin reached the reading room, the back of a top Hollywood actor that he was familiar with was the first thing he saw. It was Chris Hartnett. He was speaking to people in the reading room.

“And I didn’t even try to audition. I gave up after seeing Kang Woo-jin’s acting. Should I say that she has lost her fighting spirit?”

No, this guy, what are you talking about here? Although Woojin had an indifferent face, he was quite surprised on the inside.

‘What? What??!’

It was strange to talk about himself, but it was strange to see Chris spitting out such sensitive topics so casually.

‘Is this because it’s Hollywood? You’re so open-minded. No, I just think that guy is unusual?’

Although he had the intention of seeing more, Woojin made a show of interest to Chris in a low tone of English.

“Hello, Chris.”

Chris Hartnett flinched slightly and turned his body backwards, and before he knew it, Woojin, wearing a dark concept, calmly and heavily entered the reading room. The same goes for the L-shaped desk placed in the center of the large space, the foreign actors lined up on it, and the dozens of chairs placed immediately to the left.

“······”

Kang Woo-jin quietly looks at the numerous foreigners. There is no significant change in facial expression. What is unusual is that the reading area, which is crowded with foreigners, is extremely quiet. And everyone, including Hollywood actors, were staring at Woojin. Although the situation was quite burdensome, Kang Woo-jin did not react much.

At this time.

-Sigh.

Chris Hartnett, with his attractive dark brown eyes, was attracted to Kang Woo-jin. He smiles slightly.

“It’s been a while. There’s a big difference in your momentum since the last time I saw you.”

It was referring to several Hollywood-related events, including the ‘Emmy Award’ for Best Actor. Kang Woo-jin, who briefly shook hands with Chris, had a short answer.

“I was grateful for the support I sent through DM.”

“What, we are friends.”

friend? with who? with me? Kang Woo-jin tilted his head inwardly, but on the outside, it seemed like nothing special, and he nodded.

“Yes.”

Even when Woojin was having a proper conversation with Chris, the reading room was quiet except for these two. However, everyone was guessing the appearance of Kang Woo-jin.

Foreign reporters were also invited.

‘Indeed- that leisure, the atmosphere itself is something special.’

‘Even though this may be my first script reading in Hollywood… should I say that I am completely unwavering and upright? Arrogance? No, he’s just strong.’

Actors’ team members, officials, production crew, etc. In particular, the Hollywood actors seated at the L-shaped table were very loud.

‘It’s natural as a male lead, but I don’t feel intimidated at all, and my aura is heavy.’

‘Are you close with Chris? Even if a lot of things are happening than expected, it hasn’t been long since you entered Hollywood – why are you so relaxed?’

‘There’s nothing awkward about it… but you’re a lot more cynical than I thought? Is that the original character?’

‘It’s definitely not a normal aura.’

Although it was silent, inner evaluations of Kang Woo-jin were sprinkled in abundance. In general, Woojin’s evaluation was something like, ‘As expected, it’s not that unusual.’ Kang Woo-jin’s unusual appearance was a bit fussy and curious.

‘Oh, there are so many actors. ‘I’ve seen that actor a lot, that actor too!’

Because there were many familiar Hollywood actors. He seemed to have achieved success again.

‘I don’t know how people work, so I don’t know if they thought I would do a script reading with them.’

Next, Kang Woo-jin, who appropriately greeted the foreigners around him, including Chris, moved on. Because it was a little annoying to get so much attention. Kang Woo-jin rolled his eyes and confirmed his position.

-[Henry Gordon Station/ Kang Woo-jin]

It was the seat of the male lead in ‘Cierrot: Birth of a Villain’ and also the seat of the first character in the ‘Cinematic Universe’ that ‘Columbia Studios’ put its life on the line.

-Sure.

As Woojin sat down, a strange sense of tension spread throughout the reading room, and the ‘Columbia Studio’ executives on the chairs behind him slowly nodded.

‘The first villain’s force should be at that level.’

They have already been infected by Kang Woo-jin’s concept. Soon, Chris sat down to the right of Kang Woojin. Because of his sitting, there were no empty seats for the actors at the L-shaped table.

All the actors have arrived.

OK.

-Pababababak!

Countless shutter sounds were heard. This is because reporters began taking pictures of the completed ‘Cierrot: Birth of a Villain’ composition.

of course.

‘Focusing on Kang Woo-jin.’

‘The main one is Kang Woo-jin.’

Woojin was always included in all the photos. Chris on the right.

It was then.

-Suuuuu.

Several additional characters also appeared in the overheated reading room. Another Korean with a wrinkled face. Director Gabok Ang and a woman who makes an impression. In other words, he was the general producer of ‘Cierrot: Birth of a Villain.’ As soon as director Ga-bok Ang entered the reading room, he greeted many people, including film company executives.

“······”

I shared a look with Kang Woo-jin, who was sitting in the male lead’s seat.

‘It suits you well, but is this the second time since ‘Leech’?’

Although the situations, actors, and Hollywood backgrounds were different in the past, there was only one thing in common between ‘Leech’ and the present. The general director is Ahn Ga-bok, and Kang Woo-jin is the male lead.

Just like that, director Gabok Ang and producer moved to their seats.

Director Ahn Ga-bok, who had taken the head chair out of the L-shaped desk just to the left of Woo-jin, looked at Kang Woo-jin and spoke quietly. It was Korean.

“Let’s have fun, and let’s do it, let’s do it.”

After a while.

From the perspective of director Ga-bok Ahn, the script reading for ‘Cierrot: Birth of a Villain’ began in earnest. At least a hundred foreigners, including dozens of Hollywood actors, gathered in the spacious reading hall. It was director Anga Bok who commanded the atmosphere.

“Nice to meet you, I am director Ahn Ga-bok, who is in charge of directing ‘Cliller: Birth of a Villain.’”

There was applause as he greeted. The next person to speak was the executive producer, and director Gabok Ang continued.

“First of all, thank you for joining ‘Cierrot: Birth of a Villain.’ There is a lot of interest from many people, and we will do our best as it is the prelude to the grand project ‘Cinematic Universe’. I think everyone feels the same way as I do, so please take care of me. “For now, we’ve prepared all the scenarios, but you can each do your own.”

Suddenly, a serious atmosphere prevailed. Kang Woo-jin’s expression was also very stiff. However, Woojin had other thoughts inside.

‘Whoa, Youngmul Grandpa. No, Director Ahn, your English skills have improved a lot??

Soon, director Gabok Ang introduced the actors.

“Kang Woo-jin as Henry Gordon.”

Woojin, who was shocked while thinking about something else, corrected the concept. He quickly got up and spoke English that was heavy in the world.

“This is Kang Woo-jin, we will have fun filming.”

A very simple greeting. Hollywood actors were a little surprised by this. Some people narrowed their eyebrows.

‘Are you nervous? ‘It doesn’t look that way.’

Anyway, director Gabok Ang went on to introduce the actors. Next was Chris Hartnett. Unlike Woojin, he mixed jokes with his greetings. Afterwards, the introduction of all actors took about 30 minutes or more. An hour passed when the general producer, key staff, and executives of Columbia Studios were introduced.

yet.

-Palak.

Director Gabok Ang, with a wrinkled face, laid out the scenario. Following him, all Hollywood actors other than Kang Woo-jin and Chris took the same action. The filming team checked cameras installed everywhere, and the rest of the people, including reporters, focused their attention on the actors.

To be exact, most people see Kang Woo-jin.

The script reading for ‘Cierrot: Birth of a Villain’ began in earnest with the words of director Ga-bok Ang.

“On the road at night, a bus is driving.”

Of course, director Ahn Ga-bok was in charge of fingerprints and other incidental matters. The starting point of ‘Cierrot: Birth of a Villain’ was not ‘Henry Gordon’, but the brief appearance of the awakened ‘Joker’. Director Ga-bok Ang, who was reading the passage, passed the baton to Woo-jin Kang.

“······”

The current Woojin is already ‘Henry Gordon’. No, ‘Joker’ was brought up a long time ago. Chris and the Hollywood actors around him disappeared like smoke. All he could see was a bus covered in graffiti. The sound of the bus exhaust rang in my ears. Her slightly wet red hair pierced her eyes.

“after-”

I roughly brushed my hair.

Madness, madness runs through the blood vessels of the whole body. It permeates the internal organs and brain. Tragedy and comedy coexisted. Emotions soared. There is no need to list them. You guys don’t understand me anyway.

The corner of Kang Woo-jin’s mouth was torn. She laughed.

I wonder if it’s right to say I ‘laughed’, but there’s no other way. It was quite a creepy expression and eyes. Tragedy and comedy literally coexisted on his face. At first glance, I felt scared and had to run away, but it also felt strangely reassuring.

The eyes of dozens of Hollywood actors who tasted Kang Woo-jin’s ‘Henry Gordon’ for the first time widened.

“······”

“······”

You might open your mouth slightly or say, ‘What is that?’ He narrowed his eyebrows with a face like that. Then, according to the scenario, it was time for the rude men to appear. Since they had minor roles, the dialogue was handled by director Ga-bok Ang and producer.

There was violence. The corners of Kang Woo-jin’s mouth became even more torn.

“Huh-”

Although he wasn’t actually stepped on, Woojin’s laughter became more intense and his madness deepened.

“Kkkkkk! ha ha ha! Ha ha ha ha ha!”

His bizarre laugh enveloped the entire reading room. From here, dozens of actors, staff members, and reporters all had skin on their forearms.

‘As soon as we start reading the script, that level of acting comes out right away?’

But progress did not stop. This time, director Ang Bok acted as a bus driver and spoke the lines.

“All of you! “You’re crazy!”

Kang Woo-jin tilted his head slightly and responded.

“Crazy, that’s high praise?”

In this scene, which lasts less than 10 minutes, all actors’ perspectives on Kang Woo-jin changed.

‘······’Joker’.’

‘Oh my god, it’s as if I tore up the scenario and came out into reality, right?’

‘I saw a damn performance, but why am I seeing nothing?’

Woojin, who was sitting, was nowhere to be found. Because it was replaced with a ‘clown’ painted in white and red.

But it didn’t last long.

“A man wearing a frayed zip-up hoodie is walking down the street.”

Because the passage recited by director Gabok Ang announced the scene change. Then Woojin’s crazy smile disappeared. It was a moment. And the current Kang Woo-jin.

“what?”

“Oh, no. I am.”

He was a weak ‘Henry Gordon’ with hunched shoulders. It was safe to assume it was someone else. But he didn’t seem like an idiot. Although it was a weak expression and gesture, there was a faint anger hidden in Woojin’s eyes. It could be felt in his breathing and the momentary accent of his lines.

The madness hasn’t gone away. Hidden in the abyss.

Hollywood actors were appreciating Woojin’s outrageous acting skills.

‘······I understand why he was selected as ‘Henry Gordon’.’

It was gradually acknowledged.

‘I can’t believe it when I see it. How can they perform such high-level acting so casually?’

‘Method? No – it’s something a little higher than that. It was great, it was worth pushing Chris out of.’

‘Damn it. The goosebumps that have risen do not go away. To be honest, I thought it would feel strange…not at all. That’s not acting – it’s just ‘Joker’ itself, right??’

I understood why a Korean actor named Kang Woo-jin was sitting in the male lead of this huge work, in front of Chris.

‘There is no need to analyze. I was hooked and watched it. If his acting is that good, how can I not give him the role of ‘Henry Gordon’?’

The Hollywood actors who were herded were deeply shocked. In addition, the curiosity and doubts I had in the beginning were completely erased.

‘It’s crazy, it feels like I’m in the same space as ‘Joker’. ‘Chris deserves to give up on the audition.’

Because not acknowledging that Kang Woo-jin here was just being rude. At this point, the ‘Henry Gordon’ scene ended. Director Ang Bok gave a small ‘cut’ before moving on to the next scene. As it was the first time the actors had gathered together, they were given time to synchronize each other. Soon, a murmur rang out in the reading room. Reporters and officials alike were busy talking to each other.

This moment.

“Mr. Kang Woo-jin.”

Chris slightly tilted his head and asked Woojin, who was looking at the scenario with an indifferent expression.

“I feel a little different from when I auditioned. I feel like I’ve lost some strength.”

Woojin looked at him for a moment and answered simply.

“It was a script reading, so I just did what was appropriate.”

It was true.

At that moment, the faces of dozens of Hollywood actors gathered around became noticeably crumpled.

‘what? Me, in moderation?’