Episode 468: Encroachment (4)



The world's most prestigious 'Academy Awards,' or Oscars, were approaching. With the grand opening of this year's ceremony only a few months away, the American Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS), which oversees the awards, made a surprising move.

There had been rumors before, but this time, it was official.

The list of entries that passed the executive committee's review and met various conditions was completed and distributed to thousands of members who served as the judging panel. These members were spread not only across the United States but all over the world. Now, the names of the movies that had illuminated Hollywood that year, along with the actors, staff, and directors involved, would be mentioned countless times.

Among these incredible works were, of course, many renowned figures, including:

– [Perriot: Birth of a Villain / Columbia Studios]

Perriot, which marked the beginning of the cinematic universe that Columbia Studios had staked its reputation on, was also included.

Simply put, it could no longer be excluded.

From this point on, a very complex process would take place. However, to summarize, after evaluations by thousands of members, the final nominees would be announced to the world in late March or early April. At the same time, the list of final nominees would be distributed to members again, who would then vote to determine the winners.

These winners would be revealed in a grand announcement at the Academy Awards ceremony before the end of April.

Of course, everything—from the entire process to the nominated works—was kept strictly confidential. However, because the Academy Awards had such a significant impact on Hollywood, some information inevitably leaked. This first round of judging was no exception. Although the executive committee, AMPAS, did not make an official announcement, their actions were reported by the Hollywood media.

『CNM/[Exclusive] The Academy Awards are moving—AMPAS distributes entries to members for this year's nominations!』

Naturally, rumors had already been circulating offline before the media got involved. The Academy Awards became a hot topic among numerous people in Hollywood, including film studios, production companies, directors, actors, and staff.

"I heard that this year's Oscar entries have been distributed to the members. There are so many great films this year—it'll be an exciting race."

"Haha. That's right. There were many box office hits, but also plenty of films that stood out for their artistic merit. But aren't you curious about Perriot and Kang Woo-jin?"

"Exactly. The quality of the film is excellent, but in terms of buzz, it's probably the most talked-about entry."

"After the pre-release, reviews on every platform have been overwhelmingly positive. But how will the members around the world perceive it?"

"Especially Kang Woo-jin—he openly declared that he was aiming for an Academy Award. His results will likely be the most closely watched issue."

Of course, Perriot: The Birth of a Villain remained a hot topic. Kang Woo-jin was being discussed even more. The film had already been in pre-release for over a week, and Woo-jin's performance as a villain was receiving rave reviews from various platforms, media outlets, and audiences. However, this surge of attention alone did not guarantee an Academy Award nomination.

"Kang Woo-jin—he's certainly pulled off miracles at Cannes and the Emmy Awards, but the competition among this year's films and actors is far tougher than last year's."

"This year has been filled with outstanding performances from veteran actors and directors alike."

"Yes, the Academy often leans toward tradition, but they also support fresh talent that brings a new perspective."

"Hmm... But if you're talking about 'fresh talent,' Kang Woo-jin isn't the only one, right?"

"Yeah, that's true."

Hollywood was filled with veteran actors who dominated the industry, as well as newcomers who had suddenly risen to prominence.

Then, after the 17th, which had been buzzing with discussions, the 18th dawned with an even more intense atmosphere.

Morning—

Kang Woo-jin arrived at Columbia Studios.

"······"

Wearing a hat pulled low and a padded jacket to combat the cold, he looked casual yet solemn. However, inside, he was quite excited.

'The Academy Award members... Since the film has been sent to them, does that mean the evaluation has officially begun? If I don't pass the first round, it's over.'

Kang Woo-jin could feel the Academy Awards atmosphere. Though he maintained a calm exterior, it was only natural to be nervous when Perriot—and his performance—were under such intense scrutiny.

'Well, if I don't make it, there's nothing I can do... But still, wouldn't that be a little disappointing??'

After everything they had done, it was now a matter of prestige.

Inside Columbia Studios, a large number of people had gathered in the spacious conference room. Kang Woo-jin, director Ahn Ga-bok, Nora Foster, Columbia Studios executives, several actors—including Chris—and key staff members were all present. The topic of discussion? The Academy Awards.

"Whew—thank goodness. It felt like they pushed it through a bit hastily, so if AMPAS had found any issues, it would've been a headache. But Perriot was passed on to the members without any problems."

"Even if it didn't follow the usual route, the Academy Awards can't ignore a film like Perriot, which has shaken Hollywood to this extent."

"Hahaha, either way, we can breathe easy."

The discussion gradually shifted to Perriot's pre-release, its ongoing success, online and offline reactions, and industry reviews. With the two-week pre-release schedule completely sold out and praise continuing to flood in, the atmosphere in the room remained upbeat.

Soon, the conversation turned to Kang Woo-jin.

A bald executive spoke up.

"Mr. Kang Woo-jin, you look serious. Are you worried? Concerned that the Academy members might give you a low score?"

Of course, where would a normal person be in this situation? It wasn't like he was overly worried, but Woo-jin was still nervous. However, he shook his head more casually than ever.

"No, not at all. I was just listening to the conversation normally."

"Hahaha. I see. Sometimes I get confused when I see your expression. Well, you have nothing to worry about when you've captivated hundreds of audiences who initially came to criticize you."

Recently, after the pre-release of Perriot, Kang Woo-jin's image had changed dramatically—both in the media and in public opinion. It wasn't that he was completely free of hate or malicious comments, but compared to the past, his number of fans had increased significantly, and the overall sentiment had shifted.

"As you've all seen, Joker is already being praised in major online communities. It's been a while since we've had a truly well-crafted villain."

"Even cosplaying as the Joker is becoming a trend, and the movie is still only in pre-release!"

"Ahhh, I saw that too."

After a while of chatting among Columbia executives and staff, producer Nora picked up her tablet and abruptly changed the subject.

"The schedule isn't completely finalized yet, but judging by the atmosphere so far, it's safe to say that the pre-release of Perriot was a success."

Almost everyone nodded in agreement. Then Nora continued speaking.

"In addition, thanks to public opinion, news coverage, and various mass media outlets, our PR and marketing are at their peak. If we add the influence of the Academy Awards in the future, the impact will grow exponentially."

Soon, Nora's gaze locked onto the ever-indifferent Kang Woo-jin.

"Of course, Kang Woo-jin's ability to stay at the center of public attention is also a tremendous asset."

It wouldn't be an exaggeration to say that nearly half of the film's success was thanks to him. This was something everyone acknowledged.

"So we were able to save a lot of time on promotion, and honestly, I would have liked to push for a worldwide release right away—"

Nora Foster trailed off, omitting the words Academy Award.

"The official worldwide release of Perriot has been confirmed for May 30th, starting with the United States, followed by 40 other countries around the same time."

She delivered the conclusion as if making a formal announcement, then turned her gaze to Kang Woo-jin again.

"The Korean release of Perriot is set for May 31st."

.

After That–

Hollywood was boiling like a furnace with the pre-release of Perriot: The Birth of a Villain and the first official march toward the Academy Awards. Buzz was everywhere. In the case of Perriot, the rave reviews only grew by the day. From audiences who had seen the film to experts outside of the usual critics, everyone was praising Joker.

Meanwhile, Korea was in a celebratory mood.

『Sold out for the first two weeks of pre-release! Overseas review sites shower Perriot with praise!』

『[International Buzz] Hollywood falls in love with Kang Woo-jin's Joker—the phenomenon continues to spread / Photo』

Thanks to this, Perriot accomplished something no other Hollywood blockbuster had ever achieved. Not only did it sell out its entire pre-release schedule, but despite not being officially released, the film topped keyword rankings across various online communities and social media platforms.

This time too, Kang Woo-jin.

-I haven't seen Kang Woo-jin's Joker, but I'm sure he's been performing miracles quite often.

-Honestly, he's already changed a lot of Hollywood.

-That's right. This is proof that he has a unique influence. Hollywood needs to accept his presence.

Another first was being mass-produced with ease.

A week passed quickly as things exploded like that.

It was already the 24th.

Kang Woo-jin, riding in a van, observed the media atmosphere as he traveled.

'Hmm—The pre-release schedule is over, but fortunately, the media is still hyping it up, so there's still a buzz.'

As of yesterday, the two-week pre-release schedule for Perriot had ended. However, the results that Woo-jin's Joker achieved in such a short period were incredible. Even though it had only been two weeks, Joker was spreading beyond Hollywood to many countries, including Korea and Japan. On social media, online communities, and YouTube—no matter where you looked, Joker was everywhere.

'Wow, it's already like this now, but if it gets a worldwide release, it'll be seriously amazing.'

However, Kang Woo-jin couldn't focus solely on Perriot. He had played more than just one or two characters.

Exactly two days later, on the morning of the 26th.

Tomorrow, the 27th, would be the first day of filming for 'John Persona', but at this moment, Woo-jin was in the large hall of a five-star hotel in LA. He was dressed quite formally—wearing a navy blazer and a black coat. His black hair was neatly slicked back. He entered the hall and walked onto the stage set up at the front.

—

On the stage, there was a long table, and behind it, a large poster for the first teaser of 'Beauty and the Beast' was displayed. The poster depicted the Beast playing the piano while Belle danced. In other words, this event was related to 'Beast and the Beauty'.

To be precise, it was an event held by Worldwide Disney Pictures for each of its works, resembling both a character introduction and a production press conference.

Seated at the long table:

"Hello, my name is Bill Lautner, and I am the director of Beast and the Beauty"

Director Bill Lautner, half-bald, sat first, and Kang Woo-jin sat next to him. In the third seat was a woman with full makeup and blonde hair styled in a single braid—just like Belle the Beauty.

"Miley Cara. She plays 'Belle the Beauty.'"

Cara was visible. Naturally, all the main and supporting actors of Beast and the Beauty, including Maria Armas, were gathered. Meanwhile, the hall they were looking at was packed.

— Click, click, click!*

Even now, hundreds of foreign reporters were gathered, frantically pressing their camera shutters. The number easily exceeded 200. These reporters had been carefully selected by World Disney Pictures. Since 'Beast and the Beauty' had been a major topic from the start, coupled with the buzz around Kang Woo-jin and the recent dating rumors between Woo-jin and Cara, the press had shown up in droves.

The overall atmosphere of the event:

"Because the original Beast and the Beauty is so iconic, we have adapted it into a live-action version while striving to stay true to the original as much as possible..."

The event felt like an introduction to 'Beast and the Beauty', with the actors—excluding Kang Woo-jin and Cara—showcasing their respective characters. Of course, Disney had provided a scripted guide, but each actor was also able to share their own thoughts.

Kang Woo-jin's comment, however, was short and simple.

"The hardest part of filming is that The Beast was wearing a special costume."

As the event, which lasted about an hour, neared its end, it was time for the reporters in attendance to ask questions. The process involved filming the reporters raising their hands one by one, starting with director Bill Lautner and the actors. The director spoke into the handheld microphone.

—

About a dozen reporters raised their hands. However, the response was lukewarm. The questions were also ordinary.

"Director, Beast and the Beauty' was already facing public criticism for being adapted into a live-action film before it was even produced. Do you think the film will be able to put those controversies to rest once it is released?"

"Of course. I am sure that everyone, including fans of the original, will thoroughly enjoy Beast and the Beauty'."

Behind director Bill Lautner's assurance, the microphone was passed to Kang Woo-jin. Soon, Woo-jin, who maintained a calm expression, was inwardly shocked.

'Wow—crazy!'

The reason was simple.

Almost all of the 200 reporters in attendance raised their hands. Compared to earlier, the reaction was explosive. Some even screamed, and nearly half of the reporters jumped out of their seats. Among them, Kang Woo-jin selected a male reporter with a sagging jawline in the middle of the third row.

As soon as the reporter was chosen, he shouted.

"Mr. Kang Woo-jin!! Are you sure that Beast and Beauty Belle aren't in love in real life?! You and Miley haven't given a clear answer since the dating rumors broke out! The atmosphere has shifted toward you being just colleagues and it all being a misunderstanding, but the public wants a definitive answer! Are you sure it's not true?"

Kang Woo-jin, who was looking at the reporter with an indifferent expression, glanced at the blonde-haired Cara sitting next to him. She was also looking at Woo-jin, and their eyes met. The eye contact lasted about three seconds. Then, Kang Woo-jin answered briefly into the handheld microphone in a very calm, low-toned English.

.

.

.

"No, we are dating."

Miley Cara's blue eyes widened.