Chapter 371: Power (8)

Translator: Dreamscribe

When Kang Woojin first heard about the ‘Beastification’ ability in the Void space, he got a bit scared. What if he really transformed into a furry beast? But fortunately, the ‘Beastification’ ability gifted by the Void space wasn’t like that.

“Certainly- it’s made me more composed. Or no, should I call this ferocious instead?”

Strictly speaking, it was more about beastly nature. When Woojin summoned the ‘Beastification’ ability and layered it with his usual persona, the strength, control, restraint, and even his toughness felt like they could pierce through the sky. The indifference and cold composure were upgraded to several times their normal levels. Woojin already had a ‘no backing down’ attitude, but now, it felt like he could charge endlessly without even thinking.

A wild beast unleashed? That’s how it felt emotionally.

It wasn’t an external ‘Beastification’, but an internal ‘Beastification’.

That was, in essence, an enhancement of Kang Woojin’s usual war mode persona. Of course, it would help for the ‘Beast’ role in the movie the 'Beast and the Beauty', but if it were his normal self, it was obvious that it would 100% amplify his dramatic persona.

Was it a passive ability?

Whatever it was, even as he used the ‘Beastification’ ability, Kang Woojin let out a small sigh of relief.

“Phew- damn, I was so freaked out. If I had actually grown thick fur, I’d have been screwed.”

The Void space always acted as an insane cheat code that defied common sense, but sometimes, it was surprisingly rational. How to put it? It seemed like the Void space perfectly adjusted Kang Woojin’s potential as a 'monster' in the real world.

Beyond imagination, but within reason.

After calming his rattled nerves, Kang Woojin exhaled briefly again.

-Swoosh.

He looked down at the the 'Beast and the Beauty' script in his hand. To be precise, he stared at the black square. It was to re-enter the Void space. His world shifted immediately. Woojin entered the pitch-black Void space, moving toward the white rectangle while muttering to himself.

“Hm- come to think of it, isn’t the ‘Beast’ in the 'Beast and the Beauty' similar to me?”

In a way, it was. Kang Woojin, who was maintaining his concept based on misconceptions. And the ‘Beast’ in the 'Beast and the Beauty' was, in truth, a prince at his core. Though he pretended to be a beast at first, eventually, he revealed himself as the prince within. However, because he had been a beast for so long, he merely continued acting like one.

Isn’t that fundamentally the same as Woojin?

“This role is literally a perfect fit for me??”

A prince living as though he were a beast. For someone like Kang Woojin, who had a different core inside, it was a tailor-made role.

Anyway.

[“‘A: Beast’ reading preparation in progress......”]

Once again, a massive gray force engulfed Kang Woojin.

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The sound of an eerie wind echoed. A window rattled. That window was briefly filled with white, then it vanished. It was a snowstorm. Colors began to seep into Kang Woojin’s vision as he was thrown into a new world.

A dark, damp space.

“......”

It even smelled oddly musty. The temperature was cold. But Woojin wasn’t cold right now. On the contrary, he felt hot. His heart? No, this was closer to rage.

Kang Woojin raised his arm.

He felt heaviness and thickness. Ah- was this really his arm? When he lifted it, he saw what looked like a wild boar. No, what he was holding was clearly his right arm. It was just that it was covered in thick brown fur, making it look like a boar. The brown fur was rough, with no shine whatsoever.

It was the very arm of a ‘Beast.’

Woojin, or rather, the ‘Beast’, turned his arm. He could see his hand. Well, you could call it a hand, but it didn’t quite look like one, though it was a hand. It too was covered in thick brown fur, and the palm was massive. The robust fingers were tipped with sharp, black claws that resembled weapons.

“......”

Soon, the ‘Beast’s’ instincts spread throughout his chest. The urge to tear, scratch, bite, and roar. If someone were in front of him, he felt like he could grab their neck and twist it. Calmness, indifference, roughness, irritation, anxiety, restlessness, and,

“Grr-”

There were also emotions like those of a clumsy child. On the other hand, there wasn’t even a speck of trust. Everything felt dissatisfying, and everything visible was uncomfortable. Kang Woojin clenched and unclenched his heavy hand.

“......”

How long do I have to keep these cursed furs?

At that moment.

“@()%(%(@%(%.”

“(%#%(#(!!$_!$_”

“*#&%*(#%*%!”

Muffled voices could be heard outside. It must be those guys. The candlestick, teapot, and other objects. He was about to shout at them to be quiet but sighed softly and held back. Then, he stood up. The sound of fabric rustling followed. It was the sound of the tattered rags that the ‘Beast’ was wearing. Woojin’s gaze naturally dropped to his fur-covered legs.

They were enormous.

-Swoosh.

Slowly raising his head, he caught his reflection in the mirror on the wall. It was a hideous sight enough to send chills down his spine. His face was covered in fur; though his eyes, nose, and mouth were there, his skin was different from a human’s. Even the size of his head was twice that of a person’s. Most strikingly, the curved horns protruding from both sides of his head. It was the very appearance of a beast, or rather, a monster.

However, Woojin, looking into the mirror, remained calm.

Because he was quite familiar with this appearance now. Then the beast, or Kang Woojin, shifted his gaze. Unlike this dark space, a single red rose stood inside a clean glass dome. Its color was so vivid it looked as though it had been soaked in blood.

Looking at the rose, Woojin muttered quietly.

"......This damned curse."

After that.

Kang Woojin, having finished the 'Beast' reading (experience), returned to his reality. He had to endure his usual hellish schedule, after all. He showered, got dressed, and headed down to the parking lot, where he got into the van he always used.

Choi Sung-gun and the team members greeted him.

Woojin responded to them with low energy.

However, Woojin had just lived through the Beast’s life. He was filled with a peculiar sense of exhilaration. How could he describe this? Right, it was like the feeling of watching an incredible Disney movie and thoroughly enjoying it. Of course, Kang Woojin had actually lived in that world himself, but still.

‘That was fun. The dinosaur thing was fascinating, but this is no less impressive.’

Furthermore, Woojin’s concept had solidified even more.

“Woojin, why do you seem even colder today?”

"Do I?"

“Yeah. inhale - your aura feels heavier somehow. Your aura seems off the charts this morning. Even your eyes, man!”

At this point, no matter what situation arose, Woojin could step right into the filming of the 'Beast and the Beauty' without any issues. It must have been the power of ‘Beastification’. Of course, the real Woojin inside hadn’t changed much.

‘Ah- but seriously, who’s going to play the Beauty? Having lived as the Beast, I’m even more curious now.’

At that moment.

“Woojin, did you hear what Director Ahn Ga-bok announced?”

From the passenger seat, ponytailed Choi Sung-gun waved his phone. He seemed to be reading an article. Naturally, Kang Woojin had also heard the news about veteran director Ahn Ga-bok. Apparently, he had turned the 'Busan International Film Festival' upside down yesterday? At that huge event, he declared that he would direct a Hollywood production.

Woojin responded in a low voice.

“Yes, CEO-nim.”

But inwardly, he was slightly puzzled by the veteran director’s decision.

‘That old man. No, I mean, the director- did he take a bit of inspiration from me?’

Director Ahn Ga-bok had likely seen enough of Woojin’s straightforward, ‘no backing down’ personality to use as a reference. Soon after, Woojin casually pulled out his phone and opened a portal site. What else could be expected? Names like Kang Woojin and Miley Cara were still trending everywhere, but naturally, Director Ahn Ga-bok’s breaking news was dominating the headlines.

『[Breaking News] Director Ahn Ga-bok confirmed for Hollywood debut!』

『Director Ahn Ga-bok's sudden bombshell announcement at the 'Busan International Film Festival': “My next project will be in Hollywood”』

『Director Ahn Ga-bok to helm his next project in Hollywood...Partners with Hollywood giant Columbia Studios!』

Director Ahn Ga-bok, already considered a legend and piece of history in the Korean film industry, had most media outlets cheering for his insane progress.

『Following Cannes’ Palme d’Or, straight to Hollywood... Director Ahn Ga-bok becomes the first Korean director selected to helm a Hollywood film』

From major portal sites to the smallest outlets, there wasn’t a single place without his name.

『Korean film industry legend Director Ahn Ga-bok, now set to make his name known in Hollywood!』

『[Official] Director Ahn Ga-bok confirms collaboration with Hollywood’s “Big Five” studio Columbia Studios, leaving legendary Hollywood directors in the dust』

Though Kang Woojin didn’t hear it directly, even the morning radio on his way to work buzzed about it.

“Before we get started! There’s some news that’ll really lift your spirits this morning, isn’t there??”

“Exactly! I was so shocked when I saw the articles.”

“Director Ahn Ga-bok, who won the Palme d’Or at this year’s Cannes Film Festival! Can you believe it? He’s set to direct a Hollywood film!!”

“And it’s with Columbia Studios, right?”

“That’s right. They’re known as one of the biggest distribution and production studios in Hollywood!”

“Director Ahn Ga-bok is amazing!!”

“Because of this, the media and the public are soooo hyped, and so are we.”

“Just imagine! When the movie starts and you see the director’s name, ‘Director Ahn Ga-bok,’ pop up! Wow- ”

The news of Director Ahn Ga-bok’s Hollywood debut was also quickly reported on morning TV news across various networks. In fact, they were even considered slow. YouTube, SNS, and online communities had already exploded with excitement starting in the early hours.

-Wow... This is insane... This is legit...

-ㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ I thought my friend was joking when he told me, but how is this real???!!!!

-Crazyㅋㅋㅋㅋ. After sweeping Cannes, of course Hollywood’s top-tier studios came calling, damn ㅋㅋㅋㅋ

-TBH while Director Ahn Ga-bok has huge authority in Korean film industry, he didn't have many awards ㅋㅋㅋㅋ. Congrats!!

-Director Ahn Ga-bok is hitting it big in the later part of his career!!

-Sure, Woojin’s acting in Leech and all the actors were great, but Director Ahn Ga-bok’s direction was insane ㅋㅋ. The scene with Woojin in the family photo was seriously... four pairs of underwear-level.

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It was an overwhelming commotion.

This atmosphere exploded throughout the weekend. However, it didn’t die down. Instead, by Monday the 15th, when the workweek started again, the frenzy multiplied several times over. It got to the point where you couldn’t browse the internet without seeing Director Ahn Ga-bok’s Hollywood debut. But this was just the beginning.

Even Japan, who had been thoroughly defeated by Director Ahn Ga-bok at Cannes, reacted.

『Cannes’ Palme d’Or and Best Actor winner Leech's「Korean Director Ahn Ga-bok」 to showcase the power of Korean cinema at the center of Hollywood』

Many countries besides France, who fell in love with 'Leech', also reported on Director Ahn Ga-bok's Hollywood debut. That alone spoke to the immense power of Leech, which had swept Cannes.

While Korea and the rest of the world were shouting Ahn Ga-bok’s name,

“Hi- action!!!”

Kang Woojin was silently dedicating himself to filming 'Beneficial Evil'. It was as if he wasn’t paying any attention to the news. While Pierrot, the project that Director Ahn Ga-bok would helm, was likely to become deeply connected to Woojin as well, right now, he honestly had no time to spare.

“Cut!! OOOK!! That was great, Woojin-ssi! Let’s move on to a bust shot!”

“Yes, PD-nim.”

From the filming of Beneficial Evil to matters related to ‘Kang Woojin’s Alter Ego’, commercials, photoshoots, events, interviews, and so on, there was an endless flood of schedules. On top of that, with the year-end quickly approaching, there was much to prepare.

‘Right now, focusing on clearing out my schedule quietly is the right call.’

Before the new year arrived, it was best to complete as many domestic schedules as possible. Next year, Kang Woojin would likely spend more time overseas than in Korea. Well, even if Woojin didn’t actively move, the snowball would continue to grow on its own, so it didn’t matter. 'Beneficial Evil', Miley Cara, 'Pierrot', Director Ahn Ga-bok, and many other matters, all of them.

Kang Woojin would make his appearance only when the issues reached their peak.

By now, even faraway Hollywood was covering Director Ahn Ga-bok.

『ABY/ Columbia Studios' confirms director selection for massive new film project, 'Cannes Palme d'Or Winner' Director Ahn Ga-bok』

Recently, 'Columbia Studios', which had announced the production of 'Pierrot' across Hollywood, officially revealed Director Ahn Ga-bok as the director for the project.

Naturally, Hollywood’s attention turned to him immediately.

『LA TIME/ Korea’s Director Ahn Ga-bok to direct Columbia Studios' new film, Hollywood film industry shows growing interest in him』

Moreover, Pierrot's name recognition soared.

Wednesday, the 24th of November. Gyeonggi Province, Yeoncheon.

It was around 8 a.m. near the large set complex of 'Beneficial Evil'. The massive resort serving as accommodations for the 'Beneficial Evil' team was located nearby. Inside one of the rooms of this resort, Kang Woojin could be found.

It seemed he was about to head out, as he was already prepared.

‘Hoo- let’s go.’

The weather had turned sharply cold at the end of November, so Woojin wore a thick long padded coat. Without hair or makeup done, he looked natural. The fatigue that was moderately building up had been sorted out by visiting the void space beforehand, and after putting on his concept face that he had taken off, he was about to put his hand on the doorknob when.

-Buzzz, buzzzzz.

His phone vibrated inside his coat pocket. Checking the caller ID, it was the veteran Director Ahn Ga-bok. Tilting his head slightly, Woojin cleared his throat before answering.

“Yes, Director-nim. Hello.”

Woojin’s voice was low and calm. On the other end, Director Ahn Ga-bok sounded composed as well.

“I’m calling before I head to Hollywood.”

“Are you leaving now?”

“Mm, I’m at the airport. The reporters are so aggressive, it’s chaotic here. I’m leaving in about an hour. Once I go to Hollywood, I won’t be able to come back to Korea for a while. I probably won’t even attend the 'Blue Dragon Film Awards' or 'Grand Bell Awards'. You’re going, right?”

“Yes.”

“Good. I just called to check in before I leave.”

Director Ahn Ga-bok spoke in his calm tone.

“I need to go ahead and start working on 'Pierrot'. Come quickly, I’ll be waiting.”

Kang Woojin responded concisely.

“Yes, I’ll be there soon.”

That was the end of the call. Feeling a strange anxiety, Woojin deliberately suppressed his feelings. At the same time.

-Knock knock.

Someone knocked on the door. When Woojin opened it, ponytailed Choi Sung-gun stood there, grinning while wearing a short padded coat. As soon as he saw Woojin, he held out his phone. On the screen, an astonishing number was displayed.

[All-time Box Office in South Korea]

[All-time Movie Rankings (Combined)]

-1. Leech / Total Audience: 20,483,558

-2. Island of the Missing / Total Audience: 20,321,451

-3. Sea Battle / Total Audience: 16,715,955

-4. Unstoppable Force / Total Audience: 15,557,118

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Woojin, expressionless, spoke indifferently.

"The picture is complete now."