PAID

Episode 476: The Monster (Part 4)

Kang Woojin, who had just been announced as the Best Actor at the 95th Academy Awards, stood on stage before a massive audience of Hollywood elites and a global viewing public. It was a moment where anyone’s heart could burst from sheer excitement.

But Woojin? He was boldly shedding his persona.

For the first time in this grand setting, he decided to reveal his true self, free from the usual calculated image he had maintained. This was the pinnacle of his career, and he wanted to be genuine.

‘In this moment, I just want to show my real self. Screw it. If people criticize or if there’s backlash, so be it. I'll deal with that later.’

Woojin wasn’t thinking clearly, overwhelmed by the unexpected outcome and the sheer magnitude of the Academy Awards experience. There was no time for cold calculations or careful words. With a bright smile, he decided to deliver his acceptance speech as sincerely as possible.

“Wow—I don’t know what to say, honestly. I didn’t prepare anything for this. You guys know the feeling, right? When your heart feels like it’s about to explode. I’ll just speak from the heart.”

Whatever happens, happens.

So he began slowly.

“Well, first off, I have to say thank you. Really, thank you. The actors who were nominated alongside me are all incredible, and I want to express my gratitude to them as well.”

The thousands of foreign attendees in the audience began to murmur.

“Kang Woojin... doesn't he seem different?”

“Yeah, it's strange. The stoic, cold persona is gone.”n/ô/vel/b//in dot c//om

Since his debut in Hollywood, Woojin had cultivated a reputation for being serious, cold, and sometimes even arrogant. He had always appeared indifferent and curt in interviews and public appearances. But now, that aura was gone.

“He looks... lighter. Didn’t he say something about showing his real self?”