Episode 442: Emi (4)

Kang Woo-jin watched Matthew's retreating figure, his bald head gleaming under the lights. His expression remained stern, but inwardly, he let out a quiet sigh of relief.

'What's with that guy? He's got quite the presence.'

Shaking off the thought, Woojin turned to Kara, the blonde beside him.

"Let's go."

Cara followed, a slight smile on her lips as she spoke.

"How bold. Matthew has quite a bit of influence here. I usually try to avoid him."

'Oh, really? I didn't know that.' Woojin was beginning to realize just how much weight his own presence carried in Hollywood. He was about to respond in character, maintaining his usual composed image, but then hesitated. Since he had already confessed to Cara, maybe it was okay to show her a bit more of his real self.

Lowering his voice, Kang Woojin whispered to her.

"To be honest, I was a little scared."

"···Really?"

"Yeah."

"It didn't look like that at all."

Cara's blue eyes locked onto his, her smile deepening.

"Are you trying to reassure me? You don't have to. I'm not that close with Matthew."

"······"

'How did the conversation end up like this?'

Woojin sighed internally. He had a feeling that these misunderstandings and delusions would take a long time to clear up.

Just then—

"Oh! Mr. Kang Woojin!!"

A man with permed hair and boundless energy waved enthusiastically at Woojin. He looked to be around the same age as him.

"Hahaha, I've been wanting to meet you!"

"···Hello."

"Your red carpet performance was amazing! Let's be Instagram friends!"

'Who is this guy?'

The man looked vaguely familiar, but Woojin couldn't quite place him. Once again, Cara leaned in to whisper the answer.

"That's Billy Brown. You know, he's a nominee just like you."

Billy was also a candidate for Best Actor, just like Matthew. However, the difference in their attitudes toward Woojin was striking. While Matthew was as cold as an iceberg, Billy was like a blazing fire.

After that, Woojin met several more actors, especially those nominated for Best Actor in the drama category.

They're more friendly than I expected.

Aside from Matthew and Han, the other two nominees were warm and welcoming toward Woojin.

Anyway—

"Woojin! Miley! Over here!!"

"Haha, Woojin, so you're finally playing 'Jang Yeonwoo'?"

"I loved your red carpet performance!"

"Wow—Miley, your dress is stunning!"

The Beneficial Evil team greeted Kang Woo-jin and Kara enthusiastically as they arrived at their seats. The group included PD Song Man-woo, writer Choi Na-na, the actors (aside from Hwa-rin and Ha Kang-soo), key nominated staff, and even Netflix Korea representatives, including General Director Kim So-hyang. Dressed in sharp tuxedos, elegant suits, and dazzling dresses, they all looked their best.

After exchanging greetings, Hwa-rin, in a flowing beige dress, stole a glance at Kang Woojin standing close to Cara. She subtly furrowed her brows. Of course, no one noticed.

'Why are they stuck together like that?'

Clearing her throat, Hwa-rin whispered to Woojin, her competitive spirit rising.

"Woojin, it's been forever. But...What was that on the red carpet?"

"Watch the movie when it comes out. Then you'll know."

Miley Cara, watching the exchange, smiled as if she hadn't noticed anything, though internally, she had her own thoughts.

'······That actress—she's the one Woojin saved first. What is this? Isn't she just too cute? And yet... secretly sexy.'

Despite the subtle tensions, the Beneficial Evil team managed to gather together. Their seats were slightly in front of the stage's center. A foreign PD from the broadcasting team pointed toward them.

"The camera angle starts with them."

Multiple cameras focused on Beneficial Evil and its team. The live broadcast team did the same. After all, the biggest sensation at this year's Emmys was Beneficial Evil—the first show to top Netflix's global charts for over two months.

Naturally—

"The main focus is Kang Woojin. Let's keep the cameras on him."

The center of attention was none other than Kang Woojin.

A little later—

The hall was packed, with tens of thousands of spectators filling every seat. A constant buzz of conversation filled the space.

Then—

-♬♪

Lively music began playing as the hall lights brightened and turned a cool shade of blue. Spotlights illuminated the enormous stage, highlighting the grand Emmy trophy at its center. The word "EMMYS" spun across the massive screens flanking the statue.

Amidst the energy—

A tall Black man in a sharp suit walked onto the stage. At first glance, he resembled Joseph Felton, but he wasn't.

It was actor and comedian Bradley Morgan, known for his effortless charisma and quick wit. This year, he was hosting the Primetime Emmy Awards.

Despite the massive audience before him, Bradley stood alone on the vast stage, completely at ease.

["Nice to see you all—oh man, I'm already exhausted."]

Laughter rippled through the crowd.

["I mean, I get to host the legendary Emmy Awards tonight! Hmm... honestly? It's a bit of a hassle. You know the Emmys are famous for dragging on forever, right? I kind of just wanted to stay home with a beer and watch from my couch!"]

The audience erupted in laughter.

Then, Bradley suddenly switched gears.

["But hey, since I'm here, I might as well do my job, right? So! This year's Emmys had some incredible moments. And among them, one show stood out the most—Beneficial Evil. I absolutely loved it."]

He paused, then turned to someone in the audience.

["And Kang Woojin! That red carpet performance? Phenomenal!"]

In an instant, every camera in the venue zoomed in on the Beneficial Evil team. The live broadcast cameras followed suit, capturing Kang Woojin's face, his expression unreadable as always.

Bradley went on to mention other actors and productions, further hyping up the room.

Then—

["Alright, ladies and gentlemen, this year's Primetime Emmy Awards—let's get started!"]

With his declaration—

-♬♪

The music swelled, lights flickered, and the applause of tens of thousands filled the venue. The live chat during the broadcast went wild.

Then, Bradley announced the first award.

["And our first category of the night! Best Art Direction in a Drama Series!"]

As he called it out, the massive screens beside the Emmy trophy displayed the nominees. Five productions in total—

And among them—

[Netflix / Beneficial Evil S1]

The only Korean production in the category.

Soon, two Hollywood actors—one male, one female—stepped onto the grand stage. The female presenter held a cue card with "EMMYS" printed on it.

["Hello, it is an honor to be the first presenter at the Emmy Awards."]

Among the two presenters, the female actress gave a bright smile as she opened the cue card in her hands. A hush fell over the massive hall, filled with tens of thousands of spectators. After a brief glance at the card, her expression lit up as she leaned toward the microphone.

["The Emmy Award for Best Art Direction in a Drama... Congratulations! Beneficial Evil!!"]

From the very first award, the Beneficial Evil team was called. In an instant, all cameras shifted toward them.

-♬♪

A wave of applause erupted across the hall, accompanied by triumphant music. Two members of the Beneficial Evil team—the art directors—shot to their feet, stunned. Everyone at their table, except PD Song Man-woo and writer Choi Na-na, also rose to their feet, clapping in celebration. Kang Woojin joined in, applauding with a calm expression.

The two winners hesitated before heading toward the stage, their eyes wide with disbelief.

"Oh my god! Really?! This is real?!"

Stepping onto the grand stage, the two art directors were met with even louder cheers. Soon, the Emmy Award trophy was placed in their hands. The female art director approached the microphone first, visibly overwhelmed.

["······Ah— Thank you so much. Oh, um— First of all, I love my parents so much! And our entire team worked so hard. Also—ha, I don't even know, what should I say? I can't remember anything right now!"]

Laughter and applause filled the room at her flustered excitement. Then, the male art director took his turn—and as soon as he started speaking, he teared up.

Regardless of how emotional the moment was, this was a historic event. A Korean production had won an Emmy Award—a first in history. With the crowd's enthusiasm still at its peak, the ceremony moved quickly to the next categories.

Three more awards were presented, including Best Costume Design and Best Casting.

-♬♪

Once again, thunderous applause filled the hall, but Beneficial Evil wasn't called this time.

Then—

["Best Music in a Drama Series!"]

The nominees flashed across the giant screen. Beneficial Evil was one of them.

["And the Emmy Award for Best Original Score in a Drama Series goes to... White Man!"]

A sigh rippled through the Beneficial Evil team's table. Unfortunately, this one wasn't theirs.

But just a few moments later—

["And the Emmy Award for Best Stunt Performance goes to... Beneficial Evil! Congratulations!!"]

Cheers erupted from the team.

The Stunt Performance Award, essentially recognizing action sequences, was an area where Beneficial Evil had high expectations. PD Song Man-woo clenched his fists in triumph, and the entire team celebrated.

After all, Kang Woojin's action sequences had stunned the world.

With this, Beneficial Evil had already won two Emmy Awards—a staggering achievement. Most productions would consider winning just one a massive success.

However, their streak didn't continue in the next category—Best Special Effects. This time, they lost out once more.

________________



Standing on one side of the enormous stage, host Bradley Morgan returned to the microphone.

["It's time for the actors to take center stage, right? Starting with Best Supporting Actor in a Drama Series."]

The atmosphere shifted as the focus moved from the behind-the-scenes staff to the performers who brought the stories to life.

Unfortunately, Beneficial Evil had no nominations in this category. Instead, actors from major Hollywood productions—Netflix originals and HBO dramas—took the spotlight.

After the winners gave their heartfelt acceptance speeches, Bradley stepped back onto the stage with a grin.

["The energy in this room is incredible, and I have a feeling it's only going to get hotter."]

A brief pause.

["This next category... Well, isn't this one of the biggest moments of this year's Emmy Awards?"]

The audience erupted in cheers.

Best Actor in a Drama Series.

From this moment forward, the Emmy Awards broadcast team kicked into high gear. Cameras moved swiftly, capturing reactions from different tables. The background chatter from the thousands of attendees grew louder.

Because now—

One of the night's most highly anticipated awards was about to be announced.

"Ah, Kang Woo-jin? Hmm... his momentum is terrifying, but..."

A quiet hum of conversation filled the grand Emmy Awards hall. Directors, actors, producers, and staff whispered among themselves, debating the night's most anticipated category.

"Winning Best Actor right away? That's a steep climb. Normally, you go through Supporting Actor first."

"I agree. What happened at Cannes was a miracle, but the Emmys... the Emmys are even tougher."

"Still, for someone with so little experience, having already won two awards tonight is beyond impressive."

Kang Woo-jin's name was on everyone's lips.

"Honestly, his intensity is incredible. I really enjoyed Beneficial Evil, but if we're talking pure acting skills... Matthew Majors is still a step ahead, isn't he?"

"Maybe, but... I'm getting a little bored with Matthew's acting lately."

"Bored?"

"Yeah. With his experience, his performances should have that something—that indescribable energy that pulls you in. But it's always the same. He's great, but predictable."

"And Woo-jin?"

"Watching him... it feels different. It's like the character is alive, not just the actor."

"So, you're saying Kang Woo-jin might actually win?"

"I hope so, but the Emmys are traditional. They don't like change."

The cameras zoomed in on Kang Woo-jin, seated at his table with his legs crossed, his expression unreadable.

Comments flooded the live chat.

-Why is he so calm?! -Bro, do you even have emotions?!

-Is he breathing?

But inside? Kang Woo-jin's heart was racing.

'Holy sh— This feels completely different from Cannes!'

There were many reasons. But the biggest?

This wasn't just any award.

This was Hollywood. This was the Primetime Emmy Awards.

And right now, standing on stage were two actresses—one in a flowing yellow dress, the other in soft pink. The actress in pink was holding the cue card.

["It's such an honor to be presenting the award for Best Actor tonight."]

After a brief exchange, the nominees were revealed on the massive screen.

The audience watched as clips from each performance flashed before them.

First, Matthew Majors—intense, brooding, his bald head catching the stage lights.

Then, Billy Brown—electric, a fireball of charisma, his signature perm bouncing as he delivered his performance.

And then—

-[Netflix / Beneficial Evil S1 / Kang Woo-jin]

Kang Woo-jin's face filled the screen.

For the first time in history, a Korean—or any Asian actor—was nominated for Best Actor at the Primetime Emmy Awards.

The world held its breath.

The actress in pink slowly opened the cue card.

["And the Emmy Award for Best Actor in a Drama Series goes to—"]

The cameras cut to each nominee.

Matthew Majors. Billy Brown. Han Joon-seo. Christopher Vance.

And finally—

Kang Woo-jin.

Miley Cara, seated just behind Woo-jin, discreetly glanced at him.

'Beneficial Evil' is on fire tonight. Two awards already. The controversy surrounding it probably factored into the decision too. There's a real chance... but the Emmys hate change. This could go either way.'

Around the world, millions of viewers watched anxiously.

In Korea?

A collective prayer had erupted.

"Please! Please!! PLEASE!!!" "Woo-jin! Say his name! CALL HIS NAME!!" "I swear, if they don't—!"

His family, his colleagues—Hong Hye-yeon, Ryu Jeong-min—were all glued to their screens, hearts pounding.

"If it's Woo-jin... no, it has to be Woo-jin! AHH! WHY AM I SHAKING?!"

"Shhh! Don't jinx it! Everyone, just PRAY!"

Maybe. No—100% of Korea was willing Kang Woo-jin's name to be spoken by that foreign actress.

And then—

A slight fumble.

The actress holding the cue card flinched.

-gasps.

Live. On air.

["Woah!"]

A bright smile spread across the announcer's face.

["And the Emmy Award for Best Actor in a Drama Series goes to—"]

A brief pause. A breath held across the world.

["Beneficial Evil!!! Kang! Woo! Jin!!"]

For a second, there was silence.

-♬♪

The music exploded through the grand Emmy Awards hall.

-CLAP CLAP CLAP CLAP CLAP CLAP!!*

Applause roared through the audience of tens of thousands. Half of them leaped to their feet in an overwhelming standing ovation. The Beneficial Evil team erupted with cheers.

"Woojin!! Woojin!! Congratulations!" "Unbelievable!!! You did it!!" "Wow!! No way—wow—congratulations, Woojin!!"

Director Song Man-woo, his beard trembling from excitement, pulled Woo-jin into a crushing hug.

"HAHAHA! THIS IS IT!! This is exactly how it should be!! Congratulations, Woojin!!"

Writer Choi Na-na, her hands still clapping, felt tears sting her eyes. The entire Beneficial Evil team was jumping in celebration.

The audience surrounding them?

They stood. They cheered. They celebrated.

The cameras zoomed in on the moment. The live broadcast fed the scene to millions worldwide.

And Kang Woo-jin? He remained still.

Dressed in an impeccable navy tuxedo, his expression was indifferent, but his fingers tightened ever so slightly at his sides.

He exhaled.

The two actresses on stage, still applauding, motioned him forward. The distance wasn't far. With measured steps, Woo-jin climbed onto the stage.

The actress in the yellow dress handed him the golden Emmy trophy.

A nearby camera cut to the other nominees.

Matthew Majors. Still clapping. His expression was blank. Forced.

But it no longer mattered.

Because Kang Woo-jin—a Korean actor, an Asian actor—stood center stage, holding the golden statue that no one thought would ever be his.

-Silence.

The music stopped.

The applause faded.

Tens of thousands of people stared at him.

He lowered his gaze, staring at the trophy in his hand. The golden figure—a winged woman holding a sphere—glimmered under the stage lights.

For a moment, he was still.

And then—He raised his head.

His gaze swept across the massive hall.

The world waited.

And then, in clear, steady English—

["Now, all that remains... is the Academy Award."]