Episode 455: Speed of Light (7)

Kang Woo-jin's Answer to Hundreds of Foreign Reporters at a Luxury Brand Event

"Because I'm going to challenge for this year's Academy Awards."

Though his tone was low and indifferent, the hundreds of foreign reporters frantically pressing their shutters suddenly froze, their expressions blank.

"Hmm?"

"Eh?"

"Huh? What did he just say?"

The flashing lights, which had been relentless, momentarily stopped. Academy Awards? Did he just say Academy Awards?

The unexpected response left the reporters stunned, and the male reporter who had asked the question barely managed to collect himself.

"...Did you just say 'Academy Awards'?"

Woo-jin, making direct eye contact with him, nodded casually.

"Yes, that's what I said."

Though he appeared calm and composed, Kang Woo-jin was secretly enjoying himself.

'What do you think? Are you surprised? Are you shocked? Your expressions are priceless.'

Of course, the foreign reporters had no way of knowing this. They began murmuring loudly among themselves.

The reporter's question was simple: ["Perriot: The Birth of a Villain has released teasers and various promotional materials, but why haven't you announced any information about its release?"]

But Kang Woo-jin had suddenly thrown out the words "Academy Awards" as the answer.

'What on earth is going on?'

"The Academy Awards? What is he talking about all of a sudden?"

"Right... Didn't Perriot just start editing in September? And now, out of nowhere, he's talking about the Academy Awards?"

"He must be joking."

"He doesn't look like he's joking at all."

"Then what? Is he really planning to submit Perriot: Birth of a Villain for the Academy Awards?"

"That's nearly impossible. How can a film that started editing in September be ready for submission by April?"

The foreign reporters shared their thoughts while continuing to film Kang Woo-jin, with most opinions leaning toward skepticism.

And honestly, it wasn't an unreasonable reaction.

It would be extremely difficult for Perriot: The Birth of a Villain—which had wrapped filming and begun editing only in September—to be nominated for an Academy Award.

'If Kang Woo-jin said was true, Perriot: The Birth of a Villain should finish editing by January and be officially submitted for the Academy Awards by March or April. But what about the Academy Awards' eligibility requirements?'

Several reporters rushed toward Woo-jin, eager to confirm his statement.

"Mr. Kang Woo-jin, are you sure you're submitting Perriot: The Birth of a Villain for the Academy Awards?"

"Yes, I am sure."

"How is that possible?"

The reporters frowned, their expressions filled with doubt, as if Woo-jin were speaking nonsense.

Of course, Woo-jin wasn't just throwing around baseless claims.

He had already discussed this with Columbia Studios, and his response had been perfectly timed for them.

'You'll find out soon enough. Just take the bait and write your articles.'

Today was December 5th.

Director Ahn Ga-bok and the editing team had confirmed that Perriot: The Birth of a Villain would be completed by January—just one month away.

But Woo-jin didn't need to reveal everything at this moment. His job here was simply to throw out a massive teaser.

"Perriot: The Birth of a Villain will be competing for this year's Academy Awards, and further details will be announced by Columbia Studios."

Instantly, more than a hundred reporters bombarded him with follow-up questions, but Woo-jin, maintaining his poker face, turned and walked away without hesitation.

The reporters, as if moving in unison, rapidly snapped pictures of his retreating figure before pulling out their phones.

"If—if this is real... this is a scoop! A huge scoop!"

Dozens of reporters rushed to make phone calls. Meanwhile, several Hollywood actors at the fashion event were buzzing about the revelation.

"Did you hear? Perriot is competing for the Academy Award."

"Yeah, that's what Kang Woo-jin just said. Is it true?"

"He sounded completely serious. Who does something this bold unless they're insane?"

"...Wait, aren't they supposed to release Perriot worldwide? What exactly are they planning?"

Even as he made his way into the venue, Woo-jin could feel the stares from all around him.

On the other hand, he felt relieved.

'At this rate, the articles should be flooding in within minutes.'

Meanwhile, at A8 Media—



Jennifer Thurman, who had been holding her phone to her ear just moments ago, slowly set it down.

A few minutes of conversation had just ended, but for some reason, a crowd of A8 Media employees had gathered around her.

The reason was obvious.

During the call, Jennifer had mentioned the name 'Miley Cara 'multiple times.

And now, her expression was... off.

She stood frozen in place.

A male employee with freckles, unable to contain his curiosity, asked urgently:

"Uh—Boss? Miley Cara? Why did her name come up?"

"..."

But Jennifer remained silent.

Other employees, growing impatient, pressed her for an answer.

Still, Jennifer's lips didn't move. Then, the freckled employee, desperate for a response, grabbed her shoulders and gently shook her.

At that moment, Jennifer suddenly snapped out of her trance.

"Ah—Oh?"

"Boss! Miley Cara! What's going on?"

"...That's right. Miley Cara is asking for a meeting because she's interested in 'Guest'."

The employees, who had been anxiously awaiting her response, all fell silent for a moment.

"What??"

They blinked in disbelief.

"Wait... Miley Cara? In our 'Guest'?"

"Uh-huh."

"Miley Cara... as in The Miley Cara?"

"Is there another Miley Cara in Hollywood?"

"No, no—wait. But... seriously??"

"Seriously."

As soon as they realized what was happening, the office erupted in cheers.

They didn't know the full context, but it didn't matter—Miley Cara, one of Hollywood's biggest stars, was interested in 'Guest', a project that had been struggling.

Even as the staff celebrated, Jennifer was still processing everything.

Then suddenly, she recalled something Choi Sung-geon, the major investor, had said recently.

"We Will hold off on casting for now."

Choi Sung-geon had postponed the hiring of actors without much explanation.

And now—Miley Cara has reached out.

'Was there a connection?'

'Wait a second—Kang Woo-jin?'

Thinking back, it had been Woo-jin who recommended Choi Sung-geon as the main investor.

And Miley Cara was currently working with Woo-jin on Beast and the Beauty.

Moreover, the two seemed to have a close connection.

Jennifer sensed that something was going on.

But there was no time to dwell on it.

"First things first—let's arrange a meeting with Miley Cara as soon as possible!"

"Yes, ma'am!"

"Oh my god, it's Miley Cara!"

"Wait—does this mean she's actually going to be in 'Guest'?"

"No! It's just a meeting!"

Whatever it was, A8 Media quickly checked the schedule and sent it to Miley Cara's team. To be honest, there was no need to argue. If Cara had wanted, they could have cleared their entire schedule to meet her that very day. However, Miley Cara preferred to meet a few days later, and Jennifer Thurman agreed.

Then minutes passed like a storm, and then, Miley Cara officially scheduled the meeting to become the lead actress in 'Guest'.

Still in disbelief, Jennifer sat back in her chair, running a hand through her short brown hair.

"Whew—I can't wrap my head around this."

This was the first time something had exploded like a bomb in her career. She tried to calm herself, but her heart was still pounding. At that moment, a face flashed through her mind—Kang Woo-jin.

"...Somehow, things started falling into place after Kang Woo-jin confirmed 'Guest'."

It felt like fate. Just days ago, 'Guest' had seemed doomed. Now, it was soaring.

At that moment—

-♬♪

Jennifer's phone rang again, snapping her out of her thoughts. She quickly checked the caller ID, expecting Miley Cara. But it wasn't her. It was an unknown number. With a slight tremor in her hand, she put the phone to her ear.

"Yes, this is Jennifer Thurman from A8 Media."

Her eyes widened as if they were about to pop out.

"...Chris Hartnett? Did you just say Chris Hartnett?"

This time, it wasn't Miley Cara—it was Chris Hartnett.



A Few Days Later – SPT Studio--

Early in the morning, SPT Studio, a massive 50,000-square-meter filming complex, was already bustling with activity. Hundreds of crew members moved in perfect sync, preparing to shoot Beast and the Beauty.

The location? A dazzling banquet hall, far more elaborate than the one used for auditions.

A grand chandelier glittered overhead. Candles flickered along the walls, casting soft shadows on the intricately designed floors and pillars. The banquet hall was packed with over a hundred staff members and countless pieces of filming equipment.

Soon—

A group of women dressed in elegant white feathered gowns entered the hall. Their makeup was dramatic—pale faces, darkened eyebrows, and voluminous white wigs. At least fifty of them.

Though they were just extras, they were professional dancers.

"All right, let's start the rehearsal!"

At the call, the dancers gathered in the center of the banquet hall. Cameras captured their every movement, and the grand chandelier above bathed them in golden light.

Then, from his director's chair, Bill Lautner—his half-bald head reflecting the glow of the monitors—gave the cue.

"Action!"

Immediately, powerful classical music flooded the hall.

-♬♪

The female dancers moved in flawless unison, their hands and feet weaving an intricate rhythm.

Then, a camera panned to the side of the banquet hall. A man in a blue and white ball gown emerged.

Kang Woo-jin.

Not as the Beast, but as the Prince.

He had fully embodied the role, exuding regal elegance.

"..."

Surveying the grand hall, he smiled—a look of quiet satisfaction. He loved the sight of his own banquet hall.

After exchanging quick greetings with the men in black banquet attire, Woo-jin gracefully walked past the dancers and sat in front of a golden piano. Cameras captured him from multiple angles.

Then—-♬♪

His fingers danced across the piano keys. The accompanying music softened, allowing his melody to take center stage. A pleasant smile graced his lips.

Watching through the monitors, Director Bill Lautner felt a chill run down his spine.

"It's always breathtaking when he plays."

Though most of the film would feature Kang Woo-jin in motion-capture tights, today, he was simply the Prince—mesmerizing everyone on set.

And this scene? It would become the signature OST of Beast and the Beauty.

Then—

*BAM!--KUGUAGAGAGAGANG!!*

A thunderous crash shook the banquet hall. The female dancers gasped, stepping back in shock. The cameras trembled.

It was part of the production.

This was the moment—the Prince's transformation into the Beast, conveyed through music.

The dancers, their expressions filled with fear, looked around in alarm.

And then—

Kang Woo-jin, now silent, rose from the golden piano. He stepped into the center of the grand hall, where the dancers had backed away, making space.

Then—-♬♪

His powerful vocals filled the banquet hall.

-A Few Hours Later-

"Cut! OK!"

At Director Bill Lautner's signal, the white-dressed dancers dispersed. Their work wasn't done—they had to prepare for the next scene. Until now, they had performed delicate, graceful movements befitting the Prince's music. But soon, they would dance with intensity—to match the Beast's transformation.

As such, Kang Woo-jin's makeup had to become darker.

Now away from the set, Woo-jin sat among the makeup team as they worked on his new look.

Then, Director Bill Lautner approached, holding a storyboard in one hand.

"Mr. Woo-jin."

Hearing his name, Woo-jin opened his sharp eyes and turned to the director.

Lautner smiled.

"You're going to the Academy Awards for Perriot?"

As the makeup artists finished their work, the surrounding staff subtly backed away.

Woo-jin, maintaining his character's intense aura, answered calmly.

"Yes, sir."

"The media is in a frenzy over it."

"Yes, I've seen the reports."

"Haha, but is that really happening?"

"Well---yes."

Lautner handed Woo-jin the shooting storyboard.

"It won't be easy this time, but let's aim for the next Academy Awards with Beast and the Beauty."

His voice carried unwavering confidence.

"If things go as planned, filming will wrap up by early next year."

Meanwhile, in Hollywood---A Los Angeles Times headline spread like wildfire:

[Kang Woo-jin at the event: 'Perriot is challenging for the Academy Awards.' Is it true? Perriot: The Birth of a Villain making an Oscars bid?]

The controversy surrounding Perriot: The Birth of a Villain was escalating rapidly.