Chapter 378: Overwhelm (7)

Translator: Dreamscribe

An Asian actor appeared at ‘Columbia Studios’ and it’s Kang Woojin? Joseph asked again as if seeking confirmation, looking at Robert right in front of him.

“Kang Woojin? Are you sure that Asian actor is Kang Woojin?”

Robert shook his head.

“No, I’m not 100% sure. After all, that incident itself is just a rumor. But it seems true that Chris Hartnett had a confrontation with an Asian actor. The process and circumstances are what the rumors are about.”

“......Then that Asian actor.”

“I heard he’s a Korean actor. His appearance also matches closely.”

Joseph, after hearing the explanation, slowly sat down in a chair. Then he stroked his chin.

“There’s a high possibility it’s Kang Woojin. No- it must be him. There aren’t many who would boldly engage in a confrontation with Chris, let alone in front of ‘Columbia Studios’. But from what I’ve seen of Kang Woojin, it’s entirely possible.”

Listening to the explanation, Robert handed over a tablet he had brought.

“So I checked some Korean news articles.”

The tablet screen Robert handed over displayed an article translated from Korean to English.

『[Exclusive] Kang Woojin flies to LA in a private jet, sudden trip to LA ahead of year-end! Is this a flight for his Hollywood debut?』

Joseph, skimming through the article, let out a small sigh and rubbed his face.

“Phew- so Kang Woojin is currently in LA.”

Joseph Felton was now certain that the Asian actor who had clashed with Chris Hartnett was Kang Woojin. But that wasn’t the most important thing to him at the moment. What mattered was that Kang Woojin had visited ‘Columbia Studios’. Lost in thought for a moment, he said.

“‘Columbia Studios’, which has confirmed the production of a new film, is currently at the stage where they’re holding preliminary meetings with key actors. This means Chris is one of those actors.”

He continued with a serious expression.

“Kang Woojin also had a preliminary meeting with ‘Columbia Studios’.”

The bald Robert agreed.

“That’s probably why Kang Woojin’s and Chris’s schedules overlapped.”

“This is...... I knew Hollywood would take an interest in Kang Woojin after Cannes, but to think it’d be straight to ‘Columbia Studios’.”

“I don’t think only ‘Columbia Studios’ approached him.”

“You’re right. Including ‘Columbia Studios’, at least two or more.”

The film company that Joseph wanted Kang Woojin for was ‘Universal Movies’. In other words, two of Hollywood’s 'Big Five' film companies had already approached Woojin, and judging by the current trend, it wouldn’t be surprising if at least one more joined. Three out of the 'Big Five'. An unprecedented situation in Hollywood.

“Moreover, for this new project, ‘Columbia Studios’ has entrusted the direction to Director Ahn Ga-bok. If Kang Woojin is cast as the male lead, the storyline would be exceptional.”

“Two men from Cannes extending their influence to Hollywood, it’s an intriguing picture for the public.”

“I feel the same. I witnessed the Cannes awards ceremony firsthand, after all. But...... this is also quite tricky.”

For Joseph, it was as if a fire had been lit under his feet. If the production schedules of the film companies overlapped, it would become difficult to cast Kang Woojin. In that case, the pre-discussed plans involving Miley Cara and Hollywood Director Danny Landis would also fall apart. If those three slipped away, the tightly stretched balloon would deflate in an instant.

“Confirm things with ‘Columbia Studios’ as thoroughly as possible and probe the other ‘Big Five’ film companies as well.”

Joseph then picked up his phone.

“I’ll try to arrange a meeting with Kang Woojin myself.”

At this very moment,

Inside a mid-sized meeting room at the enormous ‘Columbia Studios’, resembling an amusement park. Over 20 foreigners were gathered there. Among them, Director Ahn Ga-bok, with his wrinkled face, was noticeable. Naturally so. This meeting room was for the movie ‘Pierrot’.

At the head of a ㄷ-shaped table sat Director Ahn Ga-bok, leading the discussion. Alongside him were the main producer, CD, his team members, executives, and others.

They were all engaged in heated discussions about the preliminary meetings with the major actor candidates for 'Pierrot' that had recently taken place.

“There might be some uneasiness, but I still think Chris should be called in for an audition.”

“I feel the same way. He showed considerable enthusiasm and ambition during the meeting.”

“What do you think, Director?”

Of course, Director Ahn Ga-bok thought the same.

“Chris is undoubtedly an outstanding actor. His career and recognition in the market are proof of that. It would be a shame to dismiss his potential just because of a little uneasiness. I see no issue with proceeding to the audition and screen test.”

The discussion intertwined stories of Hollywood’s top actors, including Chris Hartnett, who had clashed with Kang Woojin, and those shortlisted for 'Pierrot'. Everything from their pasts to the present, including rumors, scandals, their filmographies, and the atmosphere of the preliminary meetings they attended, was brought up.

“But is it okay to just leave the rumors about Chris and Kang Woojin as they are?”

“At that level, it’s just a light incident. It can be brushed off while making sure to keep things under wraps.”

“True, if we make an issue of it unnecessarily, more meaningless talk might spread.”

Meanwhile, one candidate was eliminated from the preliminary meeting.

"Then we'll save Bruce for another time."

“Hmm, although there weren’t any issues during the meeting, his private life is too chaotic.”

“If an incident were to occur during filming, it would cause a headache.”

Thus, the number of actor candidates for 'Pierrot' was reduced from six to five. Now, it was time to decide on the final actor. Soon, Director Ahn Ga-bok and the female producer started flipping through the tablet screen. A photo of Kang Woojin appeared on the screen.

“Kang Woojin, hmm.”

One of the executives at 'Columbia Studios' stroked his chin.

“I’m still confused about him. Is he brimming with confidence, or is he just arrogant? There’s a fine line between being assertive and being audacious.”

“To me, Kang Woojin didn’t seem particularly interested in ‘Pierrot’. He even said outright that he wouldn’t regret not being part of it.”

“He even hinted that we would be the ones to regret it. It felt a bit condescending.”

Two executives were somewhat negative about Kang Woojin. Of course, there were opposing views as well.

“Well, I don’t know. He certainly seemed ambitious. Otherwise, he wouldn’t have flown straight from Korea just for a preliminary meeting. And during the meeting, he showed a clear understanding of the project.”

“I agree. While he may have seemed a bit audacious at first glance, he also showed no sign of the pressure or tension we had been worried about with Kang Woojin. He’s an unpredictable character, but isn’t that unpredictability also part of his charm?”

The executives had sharply divided opinions. At this point, Director Ahn Ga-bok, who had been quietly listening, spoke up with his wrinkled face.

“He may seem a little peculiar in personality, but he possesses acting skills that far surpass such trivialities. That’s why he won the Best Actor Award at Cannes in just his second year of debut. I know him better than anyone else here, and I fully understand what he said. If we lose him, at least I will regret it.”

The meeting room grew slightly restless. At this moment, the female producer handling 'Pierrot' as a whole chimed in.

“By now, aren’t you curious? What does Kang Woojin have that gives him such an eccentric demeanor?”

Everyone, including the executives, slowly nodded. They were undoubtedly filled with curiosity. How remarkable must he be to confidently say to their faces, “You’ll regret it if you lose me”? The female producer then continued.

“That alone, I think, makes him worth calling in for an audition.”

A few days later, in Korea.

From the morning, domestic media and public opinion were in a frenzy over a single actor. Rumors, sensationalism, and baseless gossip were rampant.

『[Star Talk] A two-shot of ‘Kang Woojin’ and ‘Miley Cara’ uploaded on her SNS... Did Kang Woojin go to LA not for a Hollywood offer but for another reason?』

『Rumors of Kang Woojin appearing on an American talk show surface, his recent trip to LA seemingly not for a “Hollywood project meeting” but for an overseas talk show schedule』

It was all about Kang Woojin.

『‘Cannes' Best Actor’, interviews, and schedules related to ‘Miley Cara’... When will Kang Woojin, who left for LA, return?』

The timing was particularly delicate, and since he had left for LA without anyone knowing, initially rumors about Woojin's Hollywood debut were rampant. However, about a week later, the situation had taken an entirely different turn. The rumors of Kang Woojin’s 'Hollywood debut' had all been dismissed as baseless.

Of course, there were valid reasons for this shift.

The fact that Kang Woojin remained silent, combined with the fact that he met Miley Cara in LA and conducted interviews with foreign media outlets, naturally weakened the rumors of his 'Hollywood debut'. It became clear that Woojin’s trip to LA was merely to fulfill previously scheduled commitments, nothing more, nothing less.

If Hollywood’s debut had been confirmed, there was no way Kang Woojin’s agency would have stayed quiet.

Yet, bw Entertainment was unusually silent.

However, as always, issues without clear facts sell better. The Korean public.

“Ah- so Kang Woojin isn’t filming a Hollywood project after all.”

“What? Weren’t there articles just a few days ago saying he was meeting with Hollywood studios or something?”

“Yeah, but now there are articles saying he just went overseas for regular scheduled activities.”

“Those trash reporters doing their thing again. See? I told you, didn’t I? Hollywood debut for Kang Woojin is too soon. Maybe next year or the year after that.”

In short, public opinion was consumed with dissecting, chewing over, and tearing apart Kang Woojin’s situation.

-Knew this would happen, overhyping for no reason? ㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ

-Sure, Director Ahn’s career is legendary, but Kang Woojin? He’s only 2 years into his career, and people are saying Hollywood debut? bullshitㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ

-How do you explain Kang Woojin winning Best Actor at Cannes within those 2 years?

-↑Exactlyㅋㅋㅋㅋ Seeing these haters desperately trying to criticize him is just pitiful.

-Honestly, with the intensity Kang Woojin has shown since his debut, Hollywood debut is 100% possibleㅋㅋㅋ what's impossible about itㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ

-Kang Woojin’s just minding his business, while the media and public act like idiots, overhyping everything.

-Come onㅋㅋㅋㅋ He won Best Actor at Cannes, and now you’re saying he wouldn’t even make it as a supporting role in Hollywood? Is that even logical? ㅋㅋㅋ

-Do you guys think Hollywood’s some kind of joke? ㅋㅋㅋ

Around this time, at Incheon Airport, hundreds of reporters had gathered. Of course, the onlookers outnumbered the reporters. This was thanks to prior information received.

“The time’s about right. When is he coming out??”

“Was there talk of a delay? Don’t tell me the flight from LA didn’t take off?”

“No, we received word that it departed.”

The subject of this attention soon appeared.

“Ah!! Over there! He’s here!!”

A man wearing a pulled-down hat emerged amidst a group of over a dozen team members and guards. It was Kang Woojin, with his signature poker face.

Immediately, hundreds of reporters swarmed like waves.

“Woojin-ssi!! Kang Woojin-ssi!!”

“This way! Please look this way!! A greeting! A greeting!!”

“Kang Woojin-ssi!! What schedule did you have in LA?!!”

“Did you truly have no contact with any Hollywood studios?!!”

Kang Woojin, who had secretly left for LA, returned to Korea.

Two days later in the morning.

Inside one of the largest screening halls of a major cinema in Gangnam, the audience seats were completely filled. Over 300 seats, all occupied. The attendees varied, reporters, film critics, people from the film industry, and more.

On the large screen at the front, a familiar poster and text were being displayed.

- 'The Eerie Sacrifice of a Stranger' Preview Screening Event.

This was a preview screening event for Japan’s 'The Eerie Sacrifice of a Stranger', which was set to officially release the following week. Having already surpassed 23 million viewers in Japan, and being a hot topic in Korea thanks to Kang Woojin, the packed screening was no surprise. What stood out, however, was that all the attendees were staring intently at the front screen, eagerly awaiting someone.

Who could it be?

Before the film started, the stage greeting for 'The Eerie Sacrifice of a Stranger' was scheduled, and the audience was anxiously waiting for the key figures to appear.

At that moment,

- Sss.

The lead actors of 'The Eerie Sacrifice of a Stranger' entered the front of the screening hall, which was packed with over 300 people. The first to appear was a familiar man with short, gray-streaked hair. Japan’s legendary director, Kyotaro Tanoguchi. The director of 'The Eerie Sacrifice of a Stranger' had arrived at a Korean cinema.

Soon after.

- Pababababak!

- Pabababababack!

The reporters frantically fired their camera flashes. After all, Director Kyotaro Tanoguchi’s visit to Korea wasn’t a frequent event. However, the angles of the reporters’ cameras quickly shifted. From Kyotaro Tanoguchi to the man behind him, with an indifferent expression and dressed in a black double coat.

It was Kang Woojin, who had arrived as 'Iyota Kiyoshi'.

As soon as Kang Woojin appeared, following Director Kyotaro, the speed of the reporters pressing their shutters doubled. While it was a scene Woojin had grown accustomed to, he momentarily furrowed his brow.

'Ugh- damn, it's blinding. I really can't get used to this.'

Still, his expression remained as dignified as ever. Behind Woojin, another familiar Japanese top actor appeared, Mana Kosaku. This suggested that the entire Japanese cast of 'The Eerie Sacrifice of a Stranger' had come to this Gangnam theater.

- Pabababababak!

The flashes burst forth even more intensely, almost as if they were flaring. It was at this moment.

- Bzzzz.

The smartphones of the reporters, busy taking pictures of Kang Woojin and the cast of 'The Eerie Sacrifice of a Stranger', began vibrating simultaneously, almost as if on cue.

- Bzzzz.

- Bzzzz.

- Bzzzz.

However, most of the reporters focused on taking pictures for the time being. Yet, a female reporter sitting in the front row, directly facing Kang Woojin, checked her smartphone.

“Huh??”

She looked slightly startled, and for good reason. Her editor had sent her five messages in a row. Was it urgent? As she quickly checked the messages, her jaw dropped. Then, she sharply turned her gaze to Kang Woojin.

The female reporter, staring at Woojin, suddenly shouted out loud.

“Kang Woojin-ssi! Is it true that you’ve been shortlisted as a candidate for a ‘Columbia Studios’ project??!! As the main lead?!”

Her smartphone screen displayed the following text:

-‘Columbia Studios’ announces lead actor candidates for its new film, a total of five, including four top Hollywood actors and Kang Woojin. Official!

In an instant, everyone in the theater, including Director Kyotaro Tanoguchi, turned their gaze to the reporter, then immediately shifted their focus to Kang Woojin.

Meanwhile, Woojin’s response was extraordinarily calm.

"It's true, but this isn't the place to discuss it."