Episode 457: Speed of Light (9)



"Is that so?"

Kang Woo-jin repeated, his voice steady as he spoke with Director Ahn Ga-bok over the phone.

"Thank you for your hard work, Director."

His tone was solemn, respectful. But inside?

'Wait, wasn't the estimate mid-January? That's way earlier than expected!'

He almost blurted it out. The news had caught him off guard. Director Ahn Ga-bok had just announced that editing for Perriot: The Birth of a Villain was officially complete. And it was still early January.

Considering that just a few weeks ago, Ahn Ga-bok had told both Woo-jin and Columbia Studios to expect the final cut by the end of the month, this was shockingly fast.

On the other end of the line, the director chuckled lightly, as if reading Woo-jin's mind.

"I was so caught up in the work that I didn't even realize how quickly I reached the finish line. I could've informed Columbia Studios first, but I wanted to tell you myself."

Woo-jin nodded instinctively, even though Ahn Ga-bok couldn't see him.

"I appreciate that. Have you informed Columbia yet?"

"Of course. Nora and the studio will get the update soon. Phew—now all that's left is to go all in."

A brief pause. Then, with a note of amusement in his voice, the director added:

"But don't worry. While I was editing, I felt it again—your 'Joker' is downright terrifying. The media and public might be skeptical now, but the moment they see this film, everything will change."

Woo-jin smirked slightly.

"I think so too."

"Hah, good. Then I'll see you soon."

With that, the call ended.

As soon as Woo-jin set down his phone, Choi Sung-geon, who had been silently watching the entire exchange, snatched it up immediately.

"Director? That was Director Ahn Ga-bok, right? What did he say?"

Choi Sung-geon's face brimmed with curiosity. Around him, the rest of the team—stylists, managers, and assistants—watched with expectant eyes, question marks practically floating above their heads.

Kang Woo-jin, his expression unreadable, answered in a calm, even tone.

"He finished editing Perriot: The Birth of a Villain."

A beat of silence. Then—

"Already?!"

Choi Sung-geon's eyes widened.

"That fast?!? Wasn't it supposed to be done by the end of the month?"

"Seems like the director worked ahead of schedule."

"Still, three weeks early? That's insane."

He flipped open his planner, jotting down quick notes as the excitement settled in.

"Man, I can't wait to see how it turned out. What about you?"

Woo-jin, keeping his usual stoic demeanor, gave a simple reply.

"Same."

Around them, the team members chimed in enthusiastically, sharing their anticipation. Then, Choi Sung-geon, still glancing at his notes, raised another question.

"So, does this mean we can extend the marketing campaign? Maybe even push back the release by a week?"

Woo-jin answered without hesitation.

"The director said it'll be soon, so I'm guessing the test screening is right around the corner."

Inside, however, he was just as eager as the rest of them.

'How did my Joker turn out? Damn, I'm dying to see it.'

Inside Columbia Studios – Editing Room



The massive editing suite was filled with monitors, control panels, and scattered notes. The air was cool—so much so that Director Ahn Ga-bok kept his light padded jacket on. He looked exhausted, deep wrinkles etched into his face, a testament to countless sleepless nights.

Finally, with a deep sigh, he leaned back in his chair.

"Hoo—"

Around him, the editors and staff buzzed with chatter, congratulating each other on completing the grueling edit. Ahn Ga-bok let them have their moment, his tired eyes fixed on the largest monitor in front of him.

The screen had paused.

A haunting image.

Woo-jin's Joker.

The eerie smile. Pale skin. Wild red hair. A flamboyant yet unsettling costume.

Ahn Ga-bok ran a weary hand over his face and muttered under his breath.

"The loading is complete. Now it's time to hand it over to Columbia Studios."

As he stared at the frozen frame of Woo-jin's Joker, a flood of memories washed over him—Leech, the Cannes Film Festival, the whirlwind journey to Hollywood. The long road that had led to this very moment.

And then—

*—Drip.

A knock at the door.

The heavy entrance to the editing suite swung open, revealing a tall woman with striking features.

Nora Foster.

Behind her, a group of high-ranking Columbia Studios executives filed in, including a bald man in a tailored suit. Their expressions were a mix of excitement and anticipation.

Ahn Ga-bok stood, shaking hands as they exchanged brief pleasantries. But their attention quickly shifted to the large monitor, where Woo-jin's Joker remained frozen mid-expression.

The bald executive exhaled in admiration.

"Thank you for your hard work, Director. Now, we can finally show him to the world."

Another executive nodded, eyes fixed on the screen.

"This is just the beginning—the start of a cinematic universe."

"Hah, my heart's racing. We've actually arrived at this moment."

The weight of their words hung in the air.

For Columbia Studios, this wasn't just another movie. This was their grand ambition—the launch of a massive cinematic universe, years in the making.

Nora, who had been quietly taking in Woo-jin's Joker, turned to Ahn Ga-bok.

"Director, all that's left is the marketing campaign, the pre-release, and—"

A slight pause.

"—the Academy Awards."

Ahn Ga-bok nodded.

"That's right."

But something was missing from her statement—an entire step in the process.

The Academy's official nomination announcement.

If Perriot: The Birth of a Villain didn't get nominated, they wouldn't even get the chance to compete.

But Nora didn't even acknowledge the possibility of failure.

Instead, she met Ahn Ga-bok's eyes once more and spoke with quiet confidence.

"Let's get started."

"A test screening is necessary before we go full-scale."

"I know," Ahn Ga-bok replied. "Are you planning to gather everyone?"

"Yes, of course," Nora Foster confirmed. "All the executives, all the actors."

She glanced at her notes and continued.

"We're planning to screen it as soon as possible—within this week."

Meanwhile, at SPT Studio – Beauty and the Beast Set



As Perriot: The Birth of a Villain stirred excitement within Columbia Studios, Kang Woo-jin arrived at the filming location for Beast and the Beauty.

The massive 50,000-pyeong SPT Studio had been his second home for months now. The production team—experienced, relentless—was pushing hard toward the finish line.

The film was nearing its final stages.

Inside his trailer, Woo-jin adjusted the tight costume he had been stuck in for weeks.

'Just a little longer and I can finally be done with this outfit.'

Sighing, he picked up his phone to check the latest updates.

News flooded his screen—Korean and international media alike buzzing with discussions about him and his projects. Articles covered everything from Beneficial Evil (which had dominated the box office longer than Part 1) to Perriot: The Birth of a Villain, Beast and the Beauty, and even speculation about the upcoming Academy Awards.

One headline caught his eye:

[When Will Perriot, the Film Challenging for the Academy Awards, Be Released? Industry Experts Say: 'Meeting the Eligibility Deadline Will Be Tight.]

Another headline stood out:

["[Issue Talk] Netflix CEO: 'We Will Definitely Produce Beneficial Evil Part 3' If Part 2 Becomes a Hit."]

January 2023 was turning into a whirlwind of industry shake-ups, and as always, Kang Woo-jin was at the center of it all.

At that moment, a staff member knocked on the trailer door.

"Mr. Kang Woo-jin! Standby!"

Woo-jin put his phone down, exhaling as he stepped outside.

"I wonder how much louder things will get once they officially announce that Perriot's editing is complete."

Meanwhile, in Hollywood –



In an industry as fast-paced as Hollywood, whispers and speculation spread like wildfire.

One name, in particular, was making headlines—Miley Cara, one of Hollywood's top actresses.

"Has Miley Cara already chosen her next project?"

"Already? She's still filming Beast and the Beauty"

"It's just a rumor, but a reliable one. Apparently, she's been in talks with a production company."

"Which studio?"

"Not confirmed yet. I'll have to dig deeper."

But the real bait came from Chris Hartnett.

"Have you heard of 'The Guest?'"

"'The Guest?' Never heard of it."

"It's a project that's been floating around for years, but word is Chris has recently taken an interest in it. A source from his agency mentioned it."

With Perriot nearing completion, Beast and the Beauty in its final stretch, and new Hollywood projects swirling in the rumor mill, one thing was clear—This year was about to get even more unpredictable.

"Are you sure?"

The rumor spread like wildfire.

Two of Hollywood's top actors—both currently filming with Kang Woo-jin—were reportedly eyeing a new project. Though no official confirmation existed, the speculation alone was enough to stir excitement and controversy.

One man was watching this unfold with great interest.

"Is it time to make a move?"

The man was Choi Sung-geon, the key investor in the Hollywood film 'Guest'. Having been on edge since last year, he was now carefully choosing the right moment to act.

'Guest' was already in full-scale pre-production, yet Hollywood and Korea remained largely unaware of its progress. That was about to change.

The very next day, on January 4th, Choi Sung-geon made his decision.

"Yes. Let's do it. It's time to roll out everything we've prepared."

With that, he reached out to A8 Media, setting a larger plan into motion.

By the afternoon, an unexpected bombshell hit the news cycle. It originated from BW Entertainment, which made an official statement via social media:

["[Hello, this is BW Entertainment. We have exciting news for the fans who have always supported us. BW Entertainment is officially investing in a Hollywood movie. The film is titled 'Guest', a remake of Kang Woo-jin's past work Detective Agency...."]

The post detailed the entire journey of 'Guest'—from A8 Media's acquisition of the rights to Detective Agency, to its adaptation into a Hollywood film, and finally, BW Entertainment's bold move to fully finance the project.

This was unprecedented—a Korean company taking a leading investment role in a major Hollywood production.

Within hours, the media exploded.

["[Breaking] BW Entertainment Becomes Lead Investor in Hollywood Film! The Project is Detective Agency's Remake Guest!"]

["BW Entertainment Jumps Straight to Hollywood Before Even Establishing Itself in Korea?"]

Korean netizens were quick to react:

-Kang Woo-jin is already killing it in Hollywood, so I guess his agency is confident, lol. But isn't this kinda over-the-top??

-Wait, wasn't Detective Agency just a short film? They're making it into a full Hollywood feature?! Is Woo-jin the lead?

-An article says he won't star due to scheduling. His calendar is packed until next year.

-OMG!! Detective Agency was so good 😭😭 If not Kang Woo-jin, who could possibly play Kim Ryu-jin?!

-Foreign media say Miley Cara and Chris Hartnett are considering roles in 'Guest'.

-LMAO, will that even happen? 😂😂😂

-BW Entertainment is really going all-in. Are they about to burn through a fortune and flop? 😂

The firestorm wasn't contained to Korea.

Soon, the buzz reached Hollywood.

["CNM Exclusive: BW Entertainment to Lead Investment in 'Guest'. Kang Woo-jin's Agency Extends Its Influence in Hollywood."]

What had started as a whisper had become an industry-wide shockwave.

The game had changed.

Hollywood Trembles at the Name 'Guest'

Even in the vast landscape of Hollywood, the once-overlooked 'Guest' was now making waves. Industry insiders couldn't stop talking about it.

And Choi Sung-geon, the man who had orchestrated its revival, couldn't hide his satisfaction.

"Haha, the momentum is perfect."

A quiet chuckle escaped his lips as he monitored the rising buzz around 'Guest'.

Then, he mused aloud, his voice laced with quiet confidence:

"If the leads end up being Chris Hartnett and Miley Cara, this will be an unstoppable hit."

The possibility was exhilarating.

Los Angeles, A Few Days Later

Inside a grand, high-security building in LA, a group of at least twenty individuals gathered in a sleek, modern conference room.

They weren't just any executives.

These were high-ranking officials from one of the most influential organizations in Hollywood—a group that held enormous sway over the industry.

Before them were stacks of transparent files, tablets displaying live data, and a shared, unspoken intensity.

And in front of every single one of them—

The posters and trailers for Perriot: The Birth of a Villain.

One of them spoke first, his voice carrying a mixture of amusement and intrigue.

"As expected, Perriot is causing a storm."

Another followed, shaking his head in disbelief.

"Has there ever been a case like this?"

"Never. But theoretically, it's possible."

Their conversations overlapped, voices rising with each new revelation.

"They're planning a limited release in LA for a week or two—just enough to qualify."

"Because the Academy's rules allow it."

"It's almost February. Candidate selection begins soon. Can they make it in time?"

"We'll see soon enough."

"Every year brings new surprises, but this..."

"...This is unprecedented."

The weight of the moment settled over them.

And then, one final voice—one with absolute certainty.

"When you see the film, you'll understand."

The room fell silent.

They knew.

This wasn't just any film. This wasn't just another campaign.

This was the Academy Awards.

And Perriot: The Birth of a Villain had just made itself impossible to ignore.