Chapter 431: Joker (9)

Translator: Santos

 

The idea of the Joker walking the *Emmys* red carpet? Director Ahn Ga-bok’s words made Kang Woo-jin realize something.

‘So, Columbia Studios actually gave the green light?’

Honestly, Woo-jin hadn’t expected this. He hadn’t held out much hope, even though he’d pushed for it. With Nora Foster’s strong opposition, he doubted it would happen. Woo-jin knew that showing up to the *Emmys* as the Joker was an audacious move, maybe even reckless.

But Columbia Studios decided to back this madness.

‘Well, I have to say, I like how decisive they are.’

This left Nora Foster in the lurch, though. She was likely just protecting *Piero: Birth of a Villain* and the cinematic universe as a whole. Not everyone could be on the same page. Internally, Woo-jin was thrilled, but he kept his expression composed.

“Is that so?”

Director Ahn chuckled softly on the other end.

“Haha, it’s a major development, but your reaction is as calm as ever. You’ll be unveiling the Joker’s first teaser to the world, and it’s getting me more excited by the minute.”

“I feel the same.”

“Good to hear. Just remember that Columbia Studios only approved what you mentioned—costume and hair as the Joker, nothing more. You’re not allowed to disclose the movie’s title or plot details.”

Naturally, Woo-jin nodded.

“Understood.”

“But keep in mind, with all eyes on you, you can’t stay completely silent if they bombard you with questions. You could mention that *Piero: Birth of a Villain* marks the beginning of the cinematic universe and the first villain. Just keep it mysterious to spark curiosity.”

Woo-jin already planned to keep it limited. Anything beyond that would seem frivolous or arrogant.

“Yes, I understand, Director.”

After a brief pause, Director Ahn spoke again, his tone full of genuine anticipation.

“…I’m looking forward to seeing everyone’s reaction to this Joker teaser.”

With that, the call ended, and Woo-jin lowered his phone, imagining the scene at the *Emmys*. It was an event comparable to the *Academy Awards*, if not larger. He had checked, and it was at least twice the scale of the Cannes Film Festival.

Suddenly, he chuckled to himself.

“Wow… I really have changed.”

Reflecting on his transformation, Woo-jin was struck by how far he’d come. In the past, he would have felt his heart racing and focused solely on maintaining his composure. Now, he was more concerned with the performance itself and the thrill of it all. The years and his unique experiences had indeed changed him.

And as time passed, he was sure he’d grow even more.

With a smile, Woo-jin picked up his phone and called Choi Sung-geon.

“Representative, please prepare a Joker outfit exactly like the one from the movie.”

---

An hour later, Woo-jin settled into a large van to head to his next appointment. Inside, Choi Sung-geon, Han Yejung, and the team members wore excited expressions.

“Oppa! So it’s true, you got permission to go to the *Emmys* in the Joker outfit?!”

The styling team, especially, buzzed with excitement. They had been expecting him to wear a designer tuxedo or suit, after all. As soon as the car started moving, Han Yejung, her short blue hair tied back, asked Woo-jin eagerly.

“So, should we prepare both the Joker outfit and a tuxedo?”

“That’s right.”

From the passenger seat, Choi Sung-geon chimed in.

“Coordinate with the costume team from *Piero: Birth of a Villain* for the Joker outfit. They should have spares, so we can use those. There’s no need for extra embellishments.”

With a nod, Han Yejung returned to the lively conversation among the team, which soon shifted to the recent media buzz around *The Tonight Show* appearance.

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

“Wow, this article is everywhere!”

“Of course! Oppa said it himself!”

“Don’t you think that came on a bit strong? I’m worried. There are already a lot of negative comments…”

“Some of these reporters seem determined to tear him down.”

Woo-jin recalled his comment from *The Tonight Show* a few days prior.

‘I’m not here to look around at others.’

They’d really twisted it far from his intent.

All he’d wanted was to express his ambition with a hint of bravado. But Hollywood decided to interpret it differently, reinforcing his image as a cocky, unapologetic actor—a persona that had started at Cannes with his bold acceptance speech and had only grown since.

Pretending not to mind, Woo-jin scrolled through various news articles sprouting from the interview.

> **BBX: *Emmy* Nominee Kang Woo-jin Targets Fellow Nominees on *The Tonight Show***  
> **ABY: “I’m Not Here to Look Around”—Kang Woo-jin’s Bold Statement**  
> **NT: Kang Woo-jin’s “No Regard for Fellow Nominees”—Confidence or Arrogance?**

Articles were pouring out like a deluge, and discussions on international forums were alive with opinions on Woo-jin.

- *“He has no regard for the other nominees? That’s arrogant.”*  
- *“He seems half-crazy, remember his comments about the Oscars?”*  
- *“He's just caught up in the Hollywood buzz, thinking he's on top of the world.”*  
- *“I actually like his character—he doesn’t care what anyone thinks, like a true wild card.”*  
- *“It’s just thoughtless. He’s already a controversial figure.”*  
- *“But I can’t deny his performance in *Beneficial Evil* was impactful, especially the action scenes.”*  
- *“For a Korean actor standing solo, you need this level of boldness.”*  
- *“Boldness? He’s just reckless.”*

It was a mess. Though Woo-jin’s expression remained impassive as he read, he was inwardly grumbling.

‘When did I ever say they were insignificant? When?’

Choi Sung-geon, who had also been monitoring the headlines on his phone, turned to Woo-jin.

“Hmm… Looks like things are blowing up, just as you wanted.”

“…”

“But it’s getting a little out of hand. Should we release a clarification article?”

Inwardly sighing, Woo-jin upped his “cool” act.

“No, let it be.”

At this point, trying to retract the words wouldn’t make a difference.

---

After wrapping up a YouTube shoot that morning, Woo-jin arrived at the *Piero: Birth of a Villain* set shortly after noon. Upon his arrival, Director Ahn and several key staff members gathered around him, clearly drawn by the growing media buzz surrounding Woo-jin.

For over half an hour, Woo-jin found himself fielding questions and comments.

‘This is already exhausting… I’ll need to retreat to my “inner space” soon.’

As soon as he entered his trailer, Woo-jin used his personal technique to find mental calm and relaxation. After a restful moment, he was ready to start filming.

“Action!”

The *Piero: Birth of a Villain* shoot had been ongoing for three weeks, with Woo-jin’s solo scenes gradually giving way to those with other actors. This meant Woo-jin’s filming hours had lessened, but he spent more time waiting on set. Soon, scenes involving him and other actors, including Chris Hartnett, would be filmed.

Director Ahn had structured the shooting schedule to start with solo shots. Set filming would continue until August, then expand into location shoots and scenes with multiple actors.

By the time filming began, Woo-jin had already brushed off the morning’s media buzz and was fully immersed in his role.

To others, though, it seemed like—

“Wow, even after setting off such a media bomb, Woo-jin doesn’t seem fazed at all. He’s completely steady.”

“It’s like he really doesn’t care about the other nominees.”

“His persona is one of a kind.”

“Exactly, his star power is explosive. Honestly, I’ve never seen anyone shake up Hollywood like him, day after day.”

To them, Woo-jin appeared confident and unbothered.

Over the next two days, Woo-jin maintained his composed stance, barely noticing the ongoing media frenzy. Meanwhile, the international press, public opinion, and even other Hollywood actors continued discussing him fervently.

Most notably, the reactions from the other Best Actor nominees at the *Emmys* were fascinating. There were four in total, aside from Woo-jin.

Some were baffled.

“This quote is unbelievable. How does he have the audacity to act like this less than a year into Hollywood?”

“Forget it, he’s just posturing.”

Some were downright furious.

“What’s with this guy! ‘No regard for the other nominees?’ The nerve of this kid! Someone needs to write an article targeting him—I’m not paying him any mind either!”

Others, however, recognized his talent.

“Woo-jin might come across as difficult, but he backs it up with undeniable skill. His acting and action in *Beneficial Evil* were phenomenal. Hollywood’s ‘Big Five’ studios are all after him for a reason. I’d like to get to know him better.”

And some simply laughed.

“Haha! This guy really is a madman, isn’t he?”

With Hollywood abuzz, June came to an end, and July dawned

.

---

July 1st, Friday.

Despite the new month, Hollywood remained anything but quiet. On a massive 50,000-square-foot set in LA’s SPT Studios, something monumental was nearing completion. Hundreds of workers were busy constructing an enormous set.

It was the grand set for *Beauty and the Beast*.

Director Bill Roettner, sporting half-balding hair and black-rimmed glasses, stepped onto the set, accompanied by his key staff.

“Let’s go.”

Director Roettner entered the colossal, fantasy-like world of the set. The first area resembled a historic village. Here, he envisioned the character of Belle. Next was the castle, with a grand, majestic air fitting for the Beast and the Prince.

“Excellent.”

Roettner and his team were there for a final inspection of the nearly completed *Beauty and the Beast* set. Everything, except the set, was ready for pre-production.

Once the set was complete, the project would move to the next phase.

With his staff, Roettner spent about an hour walking through the sprawling set, occasionally issuing final instructions. The tour ended in a vast banquet hall with a grand piano—the same room where Woo-jin’s audition had taken place. Since then, the hall had grown even more elaborate, with ornate columns, floors, and additional chandeliers and silk drapes.

A notable addition was—

“Hmm, that setup looks perfect.”

In the center of the hall, near the piano with golden designs, a large U-shaped table and medieval-style chairs had been arranged, suitable for about 30 people. Though it looked like a permanent part of the set, it was actually arranged for the upcoming script reading.

The *Beauty and the Beast* script reading would take place here.

As Director Roettner envisioned Woo-jin, Miley Cara, Maria Armas, and other actors filling those seats, he turned to the production staff behind him.

“Inform the actors of the confirmed script reading date.”