Chapter 430: Joker (8)

Translator: Santos

 

Kang Woo-jin stood by Choi Sung-geon’s side, drawing the attention of Director Ahn Ga-bok, producer Nora Foster, and the foreign key staff members. With his usual calm demeanor, Woo-jin fixed his gaze on Nora, speaking in his characteristic cynical tone.

“It could be seen as a spoiler, but it’s not as if we’re revealing everything about the Joker. Sure, if done poorly, it might dampen excitement, but given the event, I think anticipation would only increase.”

Nora, whose stern expression hadn’t softened, finally responded.

“But Woo-jin, every action has consequences. Even if the risk is minimal, why step outside the norm when there’s a chance of failure? Doing nothing means no risk.”

In other words, she was saying there was no need to stir up unnecessary controversy.

“If you go to the *Emmys* as the Joker, it will undoubtedly be a big topic, but the aftermath is unpredictable. As a producer, I’m against it.”

Nora’s firm stance didn’t faze Woo-jin, who replied in his usual laid-back way.

‘Coming on strong, huh? Honestly, I’d have let it go if she was against it, but now I feel challenged. Can’t back down from a debate.’

Woo-jin answered from the perspective not just of an actor but as an audience member who had spent most of his life as a spectator.

“You’re not wrong. But *Piero: Birth of a Villain* is holding back too much. We’ve introduced the concept of a cinematic universe, but there’s no real information. Aside from the title and actors, there’s nothing out there about *Piero*.”

“…”

“Nora, *Beauty and the Beast* generated more buzz than *Piero* because people had information they could imagine and speculate about.”

Director Ahn nodded slowly as Woo-jin continued.

“In simple terms, *Beauty and the Beast* gave people more to talk about, whereas *Piero* doesn’t.”

Once Woo-jin started talking, he found he had more to say than he’d expected. Initially, he just thought it would be fun, but now he was even impressing himself with his own logic.

Director Ahn finally chimed in.

“Keeping things hidden is old-fashioned. If it’s just the costume and hair without full makeup, it’s not a spoiler—it’s more of a teaser.”

Nora’s intense stance seemed to weaken slightly, her sigh indicating a partial concession.

“This isn’t a trivial matter. We can’t make a decision here and now. We’ll need approval from the studio.”

Director Ahn nodded in agreement.

“Of course, I understand. So, reach out to the studio and get their official stance. Whether they reject or approve, it’ll be clear-cut.”

“Fine.”

“But the higher-ups at the studio might see the promotional potential here.”

“I doubt it. They’re putting everything into the cinematic universe and won’t likely take risks. Anyway, without Columbia Studios’ approval, this won’t happen.”

Nora took out her phone and left briefly to make the call. Director Ahn turned to Woo-jin.

“So, you want to hint at the core of *Piero: Birth of a Villain* at the *Emmys* with the Joker look, right? To showcase both ‘Henry Gordon’ and ‘the Joker’ through your entrance as a sort of living teaser?”

Woo-jin held back a smirk, confused by Director Ahn’s deep interpretation.

‘The core? What’s he talking about, this wise old man?’

At that moment, Nora returned from her call.

“The studio wants to hold a meeting tomorrow morning to discuss it. Director, you should attend as well.”

She made eye contact with Woo-jin.

“We’ll reach out once we have a decision.”

---

The next day, in New York.

In a major television studio, a sizable recording set was bustling with staff and cameras. On set, there was a single table and an armchair. Sitting casually in the armchair, dressed sharply in a suit with a cool expression, was Kang Woo-jin.

The reason for his presence was straightforward.

Having previously appeared on *The Jamie Show*, the top talk show in America, Woo-jin was now recording another popular talk show, *The Tonight Show*. This show also had a long history and high ratings.

In reality, Woo-jin had received invites from nearly every talk show in the United States.

Hollywood’s hottest star at the moment, he had to turn down most invitations due to his busy filming schedule, only accepting those that could fit into his agenda.

While similar in format to *The Jamie Show*, *The Tonight Show* also featured a segment for light-hearted games.

Woo-jin had been recording for over 30 minutes, mostly in an interview format. The host, a famous bespectacled MC across the U.S., shifted the conversation to a new topic.

“Haha, I see. So, that’s enough about *Beauty and the Beast*—let’s move on to the Primetime *Emmys*, shall we?”

“Yes.”

“Oh? Are you bored, perhaps? You look rather serious.”

Well, he wasn’t wrong. Woo-jin nodded to himself internally.

‘This is just like *The Jamie Show*—not very exciting. Guess talk shows just aren’t my thing.’

Outwardly, though, he remained calm and collected, adding a hint of his characteristic chill.

“This is just my usual expression.”

“Hmm—well, let me know if you’re bored; we can stop right away.”

“Yes. I’m bored.”

Woo-jin stood up from his chair smoothly. The bespectacled MC, taken aback, hurriedly reached out to stop him.

“Wait! Right away?!”

With an indifferent expression, Woo-jin sat back down.

“I’m kidding.”

“…Do you always joke so seriously?”

“Most of the time.”

The production staff, who had been slightly tense, exhaled in relief, while the MC let out a half-exasperated laugh before continuing with the interview.

“You got me there! Well, I should congratulate you. Congratulations on your *Emmy* nomination for Best Actor.”

“Thank you.”

“*Beneficial Evil* was nominated in ten categories at the *Emmys*, wasn’t it? That’s amazing.”

“…”

“Winning Best Actor at Cannes, sweeping through Korean awards, and now nominated for an *Emmy*—quite an extraordinary journey for a three-year career. Your life must feel like a movie.”

The MC took a moment to recap *Beneficial Evil*’s success and the buzz surrounding the *Emmys*, then turned back to Woo-jin.

“You’re aware of the other nominees for Best Actor in Drama at the *Emmys*, correct?”

Woo-jin, having checked the list as soon as he heard about his nomination, nodded.

“Yes, of course.”

“What do you think of them?”

“I think they’re remarkable individuals.”

“Indeed, they’re renowned actors from both film and television, each with careers spanning 10 to 15 years. You’re the only three-year actor in the group.”

The MC, fascinated by Woo-jin’s short career, kept emphasizing the three years. Then he shifted gears and asked a bolder question.

“It hasn’t even started yet, but I’ll ask you honestly. How do you think you’ll fare in the competition for Best Actor at the *Emmys*? Do you think you can win against the other nominees?”

It was a sharp question, but American talk shows were known for these direct, provocative queries. Woo-jin, known for his bold persona in Hollywood, pondered his response briefly.

‘Is this guy trying to provoke me? Hmm… Ignoring the question or giving a vague answer might come across as weak.’

He already had a reputation as a brash and audacious actor in Hollywood. Therefore, he needed a fittingly bold response.

‘Something that keeps my confidence yet shows ambition. How about a phrase that conveys determination without sounding too arrogant?’

Looking for the right balance, Woo-jin finally settled on his answer, crossing his legs and leaning forward slightly.

“I’m not here to look around at others.”

This conveyed both his ambition and his focus on his own journey, a message he found satisfying.

‘Not bad for an improvised answer.’

---

Two hours later, the recording for *The Tonight Show* wrapped up. After bidding farewell to the host and crew, Woo-jin exited the set. Meanwhile, the MC, standing among the production team, muttered as he glanced toward the door where Woo-jin had exited.

“That actor—I've heard the rumors, but he really exudes both arrogance and presence.”

“Right? His calmness was surprising. No wonder he’s turning Hollywood upside down.”

“Maybe he’s a bit too confident?”

The MC, with his arms crossed, thought back to one of Woo-jin’s responses.

“‘I’m not here to look around at others’—”

Interpreting it in a way Woo-jin hadn’t intended, the MC concluded.

“He doesn’t care about the other nominees, does he?”

---

A few days later, on the morning of the 28th, in Woo-jin’s LA home.

Woo-jin groggily sat up in his bed, yawning and stretching out his arms as he glanced at the time.

“Right, I have *Piero: Birth of a Villain* standby around lunchtime, and a YouTube shoot in the morning.”

He reviewed his schedule before getting up, stretching with a pure, unguarded expression absent of his usual “serious actor” persona.

“Ahhh!”

Heading downstairs to the kitchen, Woo-jin leisurely made himself some coffee and strolled toward the living room, pulling the curtains open to let in the morning light. Sipping his coffee, he stared out at the LA scenery, feeling somewhat out of

 place.

“This still feels weird, even though it’s been three weeks.”

After taking a moment to enjoy the view, he sank onto the sofa and took out his phone to check his messages.

The first thing he saw was the pile of notifications from his agency, messages, and emails. Skimming through them, he finally tapped on Choi Sung-geon’s message thread, which included three unread messages. The first one contained a link to a news article. Woo-jin clicked on it, and the page loaded with a headline from a prominent Hollywood publication.

At that moment—

“You’ve got to be kidding.”

He frowned as he read the headline:

> **LA Times: Kang Woo-jin on *The Tonight Show*—‘Not Concerned About Other *Emmy* Nominees’**

> “Kang Woo-jin, currently Hollywood’s hottest star, appeared on *The Tonight Show* and made it clear that he has little regard for his fellow *Emmy* nominees...”

As he continued reading, he muttered to himself, bewildered.

“Oh, come on. What kind of nonsense is this?”

Just then—

*Bzzzz, bzzz.*

His phone vibrated with an incoming call. The caller ID displayed Director Ahn Ga-bok’s name. Despite the early hour, Woo-jin cleared his throat, trying to stay calm as he answered in a low voice.

“Yes, Director.”

Director Ahn’s amused voice came through.

“You saw the article, didn’t you? Another fine mess you’ve stirred up.”

“...Not intentionally.”

“Haha, the press seems to love you. You’re giving them fresh stories almost every day.”

“…”

Woo-jin held his silence as Director Ahn shifted the conversation.

“By the way, I just got word from Columbia Studios about your *Emmy* attire.”

It was confirmed.

“We’ll see the Joker walk the red carpet at the *Emmys*.”