Episode 464 Prologue (7)

The online chatter had reached a fever pitch.

An hour before the first screening of Perriot: The Birth of a Villain, the world's most influential community, Nedit, was ablaze with discussion. No one had even needed to stir the pot—it had caught fire on its own.

Of course, the main topics were Kang Woo-jin and Perriot.

Just a week ago, reactions had been mixed, with a fair share of support for both the film and Woo-jin. But in the past few days? The negativity had surged, especially after the dating rumors with Miley Cara exploded across the internet.

Some posts were outright dismissive:

-Why would anyone waste money on this movie? These overhyped films are always disappointing.-

-I'm only watching so I can tear it apart properly. No one steals Miley from me and gets away with it.-

-Woo-jin winning an Academy Award? Please. His reputation is already in the gutter—no way the judges will look at him favorably.-

Others took shots at the industry itself:

-I respect Columbia Studios for taking a risk, but what happens if this flops? The Academy will protect its prestige at all costs.-

-Even if the movie's good, do you really think Woo-jin's acting will be respected by Oscar members around the world? He'll just be a joke.-

The online storm keeps raging. Yet, despite all the noise, the reality was undeniable—Perriot was completely sold out for over a week before its official release.

And every single one of those people, love him or hate him, was about to witness Kang Woo-jin's performance for themselves.

Kang Woo-jin wasn't just an actor anymore—he was a phenomenon.

Hollywood wasn't accustomed to someone like him. He was a wildcard who had bypassed the usual routes, shattered expectations, and risen to the top at an unnatural speed. His ascent was too sudden, too unconventional. People feared what they couldn't predict, and in an industry built on legacy and hierarchy, Woo-jin was an anomaly that unsettled the establishment.

And yet, here they were.

A sold-out pre-release. A media frenzy. A multiplex in downtown LA filled to capacity.

The reporters couldn't ignore it.

"Kang Woo-jin's influence is undeniable. Whether the reaction is positive or negative, he commands attention."

"This level of anticipation for an early release? It's unprecedented."

The flashing cameras illuminated the massive billboard outside the theater—the pale face of Perriot grinning down at the crowd. The entire industry was watching, but more importantly, the world was waiting.

In just 30 minutes, the first audience would step into the darkened theater and witness for themselves whether Perriot: The Birth of a Villain was truly a cinematic revolution or just another overhyped controversy.

"Even the top stars in Hollywood would have a hard time with this."

Kang Woo-jin was at the center of this extraordinary moment. As the excitement reached a fever pitch, the largest theater in the multiplex—capable of seating over 400 people—gradually filled with foreign audiences. Holding popcorn and drinks, they chatted comfortably as they found their seats.

Interest levels varied.

"I'm finally watching this movie! I've been looking forward to it for so long!"

"Are you really that excited? I think Kang Woo-jin is just... alright."

"What are you talking about? He's an incredible actor! I've seen almost all of his works. There are a few I missed, but in every one I've watched, his performances were thrilling. Even Beneficial Evil was fantastic."

Some were true fans of Kang Woo-jin.

"I saw that too, but I can't quite picture how his character will turn out in this film. The media even said the trailer was so intense that the actual movie might feel underwhelming."

"Don't worry, it's going to be great! And you kept your ticket, right? You should save it as a souvenir—this pre-release is on a whole different level compared to the official release!"

Others, however, were more skeptical or outright critical of Woo-jin.

"Let's see if this movie is as groundbreaking as they claim."

"Yeah, it can't just be decent. If it doesn't deliver, even getting an Academy Award nomination—something Kang Woo-jin supposedly doesn't care about—will be impossible."

"Haha, as if that's even a possibility."

"Looking around, it seems like a lot of people here feel the same way we do."

"Kang Woo-jin has pushed things too far."

To be clear, more than half of the 400 or so audience members either held negative opinions of Woo-jin or had vague reservations about him. Yet, despite their feelings, the theater was packed.

Meanwhile, a group of Koreans stood out among the crowd.

"Wow—this massive theater is really full? That's insane."

Among them were well-established figures: director Kwon Ki-taek, actress Hong Hye-yeon, and actor Ryu Jeong-min.

"It's been sold out for over a week, and today is the first pre-release screening. Of course, everyone would show up. Still, it's impressive."

"Impressive? It's beyond that, oppa. I saw a ton of reporters outside earlier. Kang Woo-jin is really making waves in Hollywood."

"Isn't that obvious? He's an Emmy Award-winning Best Actor. He's already a global star."

"I know, Director. I just always read about it in articles, so seeing it firsthand is overwhelming. By the way, should I go say hi to Mr. Shim Hahn-ho over there?"

"The movie's about to start, and it's too crowded. How would you even get to him?"

Sitting a little further away was domestic actor Han Ha-jin, along with Oh Hee-ryung and the Leech production team. This was expected—after all, Perriot was directed by Ahn Ga-bok. Looking closely, quite a few Koreans were scattered among the hundreds of audience members, including staff from BW Entertainment and even some everyday moviegoers.

"Oh my god, all these foreigners came to see our Woo-jin?"

Of course, Kang Woo-jin's family was also present. Kang Woo-chul, Seo Hyun-mi, and Kang Hyun-ah were already very excited.

"I can't believe it, even though I'm seeing it with my own eyes. All these people... and Woo-jin appeared on that big screen."

"Hyun-mi, this is a moving moment. You need to stay composed."

"You're the one who should stop shaking your legs."

"...What's shaking?"

"Dad, Mom! Did you see Ryu Jeong-min and Hong Hye-yeon over there?"

"I saw them. Mr. Shim Han-ho is there too."

"Oh my god!!"

It was their first time in Hollywood, where their son was making his mark. As parents, how could they possibly put this incredible moment into words? Fortunately, they didn't understand the foreigners around them who were bad mouthing Kang Woo-jin—it was all in English.

And then—

*shoosh*

The bright lights in the theater dimmed slightly before fading into complete darkness. The decibel level in the massive, previously noisy theater dropped dramatically. The only sound left was the crunching of popcorn.

Everyone, except Kang Woo-jin's family, including hundreds of foreign audience members, fixed their gazes on the massive screen in front of them.

The screen remained dark.

Then, an image flickered to life. Simultaneously, a sound was heard.

A lighter sparked, igniting a cigarette. Along with the crackling noise, various logos appeared on the screen, ending with the world-famous Columbia Studios logo.

-["Hoo—"]

A figure appeared on the screen in front of hundreds of people, accompanied by the sound of cigarette smoke being exhaled. It was Chris Hartnett, playing reporter Robert Franklin. The setting was a typical diner.

-["..."]

The camera angle showed the back of a red-haired figure, while the remaining space revealed the face of reporter Robert Franklin. Smoke curled around his face before—suddenly—a loud, eerie laugh echoed through the theater.

-["Kekekekeke! Hahahaha, hahahahaha!"]

A faint classical melody played alongside the unsettling laughter.

At that moment, the person on the screen shifted. His face filled the massive screen.

A man with flowing red hair, a pale face, and a cigarette dangling from his torn lips.

-["Hehehehe, hahahaha, kekeke!"]

'Joker.'

No, it was Kang Woo-jin.

His presence was absolutely electrifying.

"eek—"

"!!!"

"...Eww."

Many foreign audience members groaned without realizing it. But the movie did not stop, and Woo-jin's laughter grew more intense. The first line came from reporter Robert Franklin.

-["...Why are you laughing all of a sudden?"]

The angle shifted to the 'Joker.' He took another drag from his cigarette and exhaled. Holding the cigarette in his mouth, he ran both hands through his red hair. At this point, the focus of the hundreds of viewers sharpened. Kang Woo-jin's terrifying expression and the subtle emotions in his eyes felt desperate.

-["Kekekeke, I'm sorry, sorry, buddy. I have fond memories associated with this song. It reminded me of that time."]

As soon as Woo-jin finished speaking, the classical music swelled, becoming several times louder.

-♬♪

Then, the 'Joker's' face on the screen zoomed in. His face and clothes were colorful. But in an instant, Kang Woo-jin, who had filled the screen, disappeared. The vibrant colors drained away, replaced by black and white. As the classical music reached its peak, 'Henry Gordon' appeared on the black-and-white screen, staring into a broken mirror. The camera, which had been showing his back, shifted angles.

'Henry Gordon' was looking not at the hundreds of spectators, but at himself in the mirror.

The mirror itself was angled to reflect a black-and-white 'Henry Gordon.' He was drawing something near his lips—a 'smile' stretching from ear to ear, frozen in place. His expression subtly twisted. Was he laughing? Annoyed? What was he feeling? The unsettling ambiguity of his identity overwhelmed the audience.

Soon, a single tear trickled from one of his eyes, filling the screen.

At this moment, among the hundreds of spectators—

"..."

"..."

No one was breathing properly.