I Was Mistaken as a Monstrous Genius Actor

Translator: Dreamscribe

In fact, Kang Woojin arrived at the multiplex cinema located in the center of Downtown LA just 15 minutes before the first screening of ‘Pierrot: The Birth of a Villain’ ended. There were three vans in total, each carrying the ‘Pierrot’ team gathered for the promotional schedule. Woojin, seated at the very front.

“……”

Though he wore a thick poker face, inwardly he was wildly flustered.

‘Wow- weren’t there a crazy number of people in front of the cinema??! And cameras were everywhere. Looked exactly like news crews. I mean, why would news teams show up just because a movie is premiering??’

He had been surprised by not just the overwhelming number of audience members crowded at the entrance of the cinema, but also by the presence of reporters and news broadcast teams. It was a little embarrassing too.

‘And that giant billboard at the entrance! My face was way too big on it??! And why is everyone taking photos in front of that thing!’

Because ‘Joker’, the version portrayed by Kang Woojin, was plastered across the enormous billboard, with a massive crowd gathered around it. And the billboard was much more absurdly large than expected. Though inwardly quite excited, Kang Woojin kept up his concept persona, as befitted such a grand event.

‘Phew, seriously. Mom and Dad definitely took photos in front of that billboard.’

At the same time, he added a small grumble like, ‘What is up with this outfit!’ Because he was the only one wearing the ‘Joker’ costume. Hair and makeup were kept natural to his usual self, but he wore a different outfit today just for the event.

Watching such Woojin quietly from the seat immediately to the right was Chris Hartnett.

‘As expected, despite the flood of audience members, reporters, and even news crews, not a single expression change. Feels like the word “pressure” doesn’t even exist in this guy’s vocabulary. Well, that’s what makes him interesting though.’

Soon, Chris Hartnett spoke to him.

“Woojin, it’s rather ordinary, isn’t it? Compared to all the fuss from the media and public opinion?”

What are you talking about, how is this ordinary? If this is considered ordinary, then what kind of life does this handsome guy live? Though baffled inwardly, Kang Woojin, clad in his usual tough-guy act, simply nodded indifferently.

“Yeah. It’s a little boring.”

“Hahaha, still, it’s quite something. I expected the reporters, but I didn’t think even news crews would show up.”

Chris patted Woojin’s shoulder.

“That just means Hollywood’s eyes are all on you. As for me, I feel a little left out, but I’m still enjoying the spectacle.”

“I see.”

But that wasn’t the truth. Chris Hartnett was currently feeling quite a bit of jealousy.

‘Have I ever experienced anything like this?’

No, he hadn’t. Though Chris was a globally top-ranked actor with sky-high recognition, never before had such a situation occurred for any project he had led. Chris then turned his gaze toward Kang Woojin with a faintly bitter smile.

‘This must be a gap not of popularity or recognition, but in the sheer impact of the person himself.’

Listening quietly from the back seat to the conversation between the two was Director Ahn Ga-bok.

‘It’s not strange that Chris feels left out. Columbia outright focused their promotional marketing on Kang Woojin, and both the media and public attention are spotlighting him. For Chris, who has always received top star treatment, this kind of situation is likely a first in his life. But what can you do.’

He then gave an answer, internally, to the sense of gap Chris was feeling.

‘It’s a difference in star quality. Right now, Kang Woojin has completely engulfed Hollywood with his destructive star power.’

Kang Woojin had effortlessly surpassed Chris Hartnett, who had long reigned as a top actor in Hollywood. At least, that’s how it appeared at this moment. For example, could Chris have sold out all preview screenings of ‘Pierrot’ with his influence alone?

‘That would’ve been tough.’

So Chris, even if he felt jealousy, had no choice but to accept it. Rather than envy Woojin, he let a bit of fierce determination rise within him.

‘I need to learn what I can, both in terms of acting and the impact as a human being.’

Soon, the ‘Pierrot’ team entered the cinema, just as the movie was about to end. The hundreds of audience members who were the first in the world to watch ‘Pierrot’ all turned their eyes.

-Swoosh.

Their attention focused instantly. After the supporting cast entered, followed by Director Ahn Ga-bok and Chris, and at the very end.

‘Ugh- damn, I’m nervous. Mom and dad are probably here too. And… how did the audience take my Joker?’

For some reason, Kang Woojin’s heart was pounding as he entered the screening room. He could let the outfit slide, but what kind of expression should he wear? Yes, as expected, nothing beats staying in character. Woojin put on the most solemn face he could manage.

At that moment.

-Clap clap clap clap clap!

He was suddenly met with a standing ovation from hundreds of foreign audience members. Momentarily pausing without letting it show, Kang Woojin scanned the wide sea of spectators.

‘W-what??! Is this a joke?’

Honestly, it was a situation he hadn’t even imagined. But soon, Kang Woojin realized the standing ovation was sincere. The expressions and eyes of the audience truly conveyed a heartfelt welcome to ‘Joker’.

‘Wow- goosebumps.’

It was a shiver he hadn’t felt in a long time. Director Ahn Ga-bok had definitely told him before entering: “Many audience members may have come to criticize you”. Columbia Studios and producer Nora had said the same. Even the public reactions Woojin had searched for himself pointed in that direction. So Woojin had prepared himself mentally. Whatever incident might occur, he would face it with composure, with a ‘damn my-way’ attitude.

But reality was the exact opposite.

-Clap clap clap clap clap clap clap!

Forget criticism, every one of the hundreds of audience members was sincerely praising Kang Woojin. They had all fallen for his ‘Joker’, completely overtaken by it. They had entered the stage of loving the character. This was proof that no matter how much flak one took for an image, if there’s skill and ability, any situation could be overturned.

‘Whoa- this is insane.’

There was no grander spectacle. Hundreds of foreigners, who had come for various reasons, showering a Korean actor at center stage with unreserved praise. And among them, Kang Woo-chul, Seo Hyun-mi, and Kang Hyun-ah were clapping with teary eyes, visible to Woojin.

Unconsciously, Kang Woojin muttered to himself.

‘……Ah, wait a sec.’

He had to fight hard to suppress the swelling emotions. Part of him wanted to run to his family and burst into tears, but he couldn’t. The ‘Pierrot’ team, now lined up in formation, was waiting for him.

Director Ahn Ga-bok, standing first in the line, called out to him.

“Woojin-ssi.”

Even in this moment, the audience’s standing ovation continued, and Kang Woojin, forcing himself to dial up his in-character presence to the max, began to move slowly. He took his place next to Director Ahn Ga-bok. The moment Woojin found his spot, the hundreds of audience members stopped clapping and slowly took their seats. Then, Director Ahn Ga-bok brought a handheld mic, handed to him by staff, to his mouth.

An aged voice, speaking English, echoed throughout the screening room.

“Thank you all for enjoying our film. I’m Ahn Ga-bok, the director of ‘Pierrot: The Birth of a Villain’.”

-Pababababak!

Flashes exploded toward Director Ahn Ga-bok as he finished his greeting. Reporters, who had been invited, had gathered at the very back of the screening room. Upon noticing the reporters, Director Ahn Ga-bok.

-Swoosh.

Passed the mic to Kang Woojin.

“……”

Woojin quietly, very quietly, caught his breath. He felt his voice would shake if he spoke right away. But he soon calmed down. He could see his family’s faces, along with Hong Hye-yeon, Ryu Jung-min, Director Kwon Ki-taek, Sim Han-ho and the ‘Leech’ team, and the staff of bw Entertainment. Toward the back, Choi Sung-gun and his team had also taken seats. Choi Sung-gun gave him a thumbs-up, and Han Ye-jung was busy filming Woojin on her phone.

‘…I can’t make a fool of myself.’

The real Kang Woojin picked up the handheld mic. A low, cold voice spread through the room.

“Hello, I’m Kang Woojin, who portrayed ‘Joker’.”

Once again, the applause and cheers erupted, and the reporters fired off a storm of camera flashes. But Kang Woojin’s actions didn’t stop there.

“As you can see, since it’s the first day of the preview, I came dressed in the ‘Joker’ outfit. You might remember, I also wore this at the ‘Emmy Awards’.”

Half the audience chuckled at that, and Woojin continued.

“I once said, ‘Watch it or don’t’, but many of you came. What did you think of the ‘clown’ you saw?”

He threw the question to the hundreds of audience members. The reply came immediately. It was a foreign man seated at the front, who had originally come intending to criticize Woojin before the screening.

“It looked like the movie ended hinting at a sequel! Will there be a second ‘Joker’ story??!”

Kang Woojin responded composedly.

“Of course. The ‘Cinematic Universe’ of ‘Columbia Studios’ begins with this film.”

“T-then! Will you return as ‘Joker’ in the next film too?!”

All eyes, those of the hundreds of audience members and reporters, were once again fixed on Woojin after the follow-up question was thrown. Kang Woojin suddenly smirked. It was a smile, just like ‘Joker’.

“I’ll be back next time too, watch it or don’t, it up to you.”

He nailed the fan service.

The entire audience began shouting.

“’Joker’! It’s the ‘Joker’!!”

“Great! I’ll definitely watch it!”

“When! When is it coming out?!”

“Your acting was amazing! I’ll be there for the next movie too!!”

And this wasn’t just happening here. It was certain the same thing was taking place at the 33 theaters currently hosting the early screening in LA and New York.

Amid the frenzy-like atmosphere, Director Ahn Ga-bok chuckled softly.

‘They’re already trapped in a swamp where they can’t bear it if it’s not Kang Woojin’s ‘Joker’. Even the Academy Award jury members are no different.’

It was obvious that from here on, the whole world would be taken over.

30 minutes later.

After wrapping up the stage greeting, the ‘Pierrot’ team had a proper photo session and then disbanded. Of course, Kang Woojin and Director Ahn Ga-bok stayed behind to meet the family and colleagues who had come all the way to LA. The place was the now-empty screening room. It was there that Woojin faced an unexpected crisis.

“Woojin!”

“Son!”

“Oppa!!”

He had to meet his family in a place where many others were gathered.

“…Yes, you’re here.”

“Oh my goodness! I loved the movie, but once you appeared at the end, I just burst into tears.”

“Come here, let me give you a hug.”

“Me too!!”

Kang Woojin subtly glanced around, watching for eyes on them as he dealt with his family.

“But Woojin, why do you look so cold? Did something happen?”

“No, that’s not it.”

“Hmm, come on, smile! It’s been ages since we’ve seen you.”

Surprisingly, the one who diffused the situation was his younger sister, Kang Hyun-ah.

“Ah! Dad! Mom! Look around you! It’s all top actors from Korea and Hollywood! You’ve got to let him go quickly!”

Nice one, bloodsister. Right, she is the president of my fan club, after all, she’s actually helpful. Kang Woojin made a mental note to give his sister some spending money and spoke in a low voice.

“Please head to the hotel I reserved. I’ll come once today’s schedule is over.”

“Oh, you’re busy, right? Okay, okay.”

After that, Kang Woojin briefly greeted the people who had come from Korea. Though he was happy to see familiar faces after a long time, there wasn’t much time.

There was another promotional schedule right after.

But as he was about to leave, Hong Hye-yeon stopped him and asked urgently. Her voice was quiet.

“Wait, wait, are you really dating Miley Cara??”

Kang Woojin looked at her for a moment and answered simply.

“Who knows.”

Meanwhile, at this time.

Not just at the theater where Kang Woojin was, but at the other 33 theaters in LA and New York, the first screenings of ‘Pierrot: The Birth of a Villain’ were nearly finished. Of course, all the theaters were packed with crowds.

Every audience member who came out after watching the film was excited and shared the same reaction.

“Isn’t Kang Woojin’s acting insane??!”

“I don’t even remember how those two hours flew by!”

“Columbia finally dropped a real blockbuster after a long time!”

“I don’t know what’s coming next, but the start of Columbia’s Cinematic Universe is a huge success! My god, there are no words for Kang Woojin’s performance.”

By midday, as time passed, Kang Woojin was inside the ‘Pierrot’ team’s van.

‘I wonder what the media coverage is like??’

He picked up his phone. And inwardly let out an intense exclamation.

‘Crazy! Articles are exploding!’

Articles about ‘Pierrot’ were pouring out across all of Hollywood.

『CNM / Standing ovation for Kang Woojin after ‘Pierrot’ screening / Photos』

Some articles were written by reporters who covered the scene or attended Kang Woojin’s stage greeting. Among them, quite a few pieces included the honest opinions of reporters who had actually watched ‘Pierrot: The Birth of a Villain’, rather than just covering the atmosphere or the greeting.

Of course, the content was enough to make Kang Woojin feel quite pleased.

‘Heh, these guys. They’ve fallen for my acting, huh??’

What made it even more amusing was this.

『BBX / Kang Woojin’s “Watch it or don’t” remark at the ‘Emmy Awards’ was justified. Viewers of ‘Pierrot’ say “Kang Woojin’s performance is phenomenal!”』

The tone of the media before and after the screening of ‘Pierrot’ was completely different.

Then, the next morning, on the 10th.

Having wrapped up the sold-out first day of the two-week early screening event in grand fashion, the second day of ‘Pierrot’ began. The second day was also sold out.

Around this time, the first review of ‘Pierrot’ by a prominent Hollywood film critic was uploaded on one of the most authoritative and reputable film information and review sites in Hollywood.

-[Kang Woojin’s <Joker> is toxic trash. But it’s irresistibly addictive. As I left the theater, I found myself rooting for the villain. It was the first time I’d had such a strange experience, but I was satisfied. And Kang Woojin’s performance is astonishingly meticulous. Even if Kang Woojin takes the Academy Awards lightly, I think I’ll continue to love his <Joker>.]

-[Rating: 10/10]

It was an overwhelming rave review.

***

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