Episode 473: Monster (1)



The moment a Hollywood actress called his name on TV...

—["And Kang Woo-jin."]—

Everything stopped.

Kang Woo-jin, who had unconsciously let out his true feelings in a barely audible whisper, almost screamed. His body trembled with an overwhelming mix of shock and disbelief. "Wow, ahhh!!" He wanted to shout at the top of his lungs, but his voice was stuck in his throat.

His mind was reeling. His heart pounded so violently that he felt lightheaded. His palms were drenched in sweat. A sensation that was entirely foreign to him—a man known for his unshakable composure—was now consuming him whole.

'I... I'm a nominee for Best Actor?! At the Academy Awards?!'

He blinked rapidly, his thoughts racing.

It was surreal. It was a dream—no, something beyond a dream. It was an impossible, breathtaking reality.

Woo-jin had poured everything into his craft. He had thrown himself into his roles with complete abandon, diving in and out of the subspace as if his life depended on it. He had endured criticism, skepticism, and relentless scrutiny. But through it all, he had stayed laser-focused, ignoring the noise, just acting.

And now, he was here.

This wasn't just any award.

This was the Academy Awards.

The dream of every actor in the world—the highest honor, the pinnacle of recognition in the industry. Just being nominated was enough to change the trajectory of a career forever. And somehow, Kang Woo-jin's name was among the five chosen for Best Actor.

He sat there, utterly speechless, staring blankly at the TV as the reality of the moment sank in. His mind flashed back to the Cannes Film Festival—the place where all of this had begun. Back then, it had just been a joke, a fluke, a misunderstanding. People had assumed Cannes was a stepping stone to the Academy Awards.

But against all odds, it had actually happened.

The misunderstandings, the illusions—he had made them real.

His portrayal of the Joker in Perriot : Birth of a Villain had been more than just a role. It had been a transformation, a phenomenon. And now, it has propelled him to the center of the global stage.

Suddenly, he felt something—someone—pressing against him.

"Woo-jin!! Congratulations!! Really, really congratulations!! Oh my God!"

Miley Cara had thrown her arms around him, her radiant smile inches from his face as she shook him in excitement. Her joy was so infectious, so genuine, but Woo-jin could only stare at her blankly, still too stunned to react.

The deafening cheers around him finally registered.

His team—Choi Seong-geon, Cara, the staff from BW Entertainment, and the overseas branch employees—had erupted into pure hysteria.

"AAAHHHH!!! THAT'S IT!!! THAT'S ENOUGH!!! WOOJIN, THAT'S IT!!! SAY IT!!!"

"OH MY GOD!!! WHAT DO WE DO!!!"

"OPPA!! CONGRATULATIONS!!!"

"This is INSANE!! Absolutely insane!!"

His entire house had turned into a frenzy of shouting, crying, laughing, and sheer disbelief. His team members were jumping, hugging, and screaming incoherently, their words blending into a chaotic storm of celebration.

"#$(&%(@#%#*%!!"

"@$&%(@&%&@$&@&!!"

"(#(#%(#%(%^&!@$^!!"

The emotions were so intense that it was impossible to process everything at once. He felt the weight of multiple people pressing against him as his team huddled around him, piling on in a massive group hug.

In the middle of it all, Choi Seong-geon, red-faced and out of breath, suddenly grabbed Woo-jin's shoulders and shouted:

"IN ALL OF ASIA, INCLUDING KOREA—EVEN IN THE ENTIRE HISTORY OF HOLLYWOOD—YOU ARE THE FIRST, WOO-JIN!!"

It hit him like a truck.

The first.

No Korean actor had ever been nominated for Best Actor at the Academy Awards before.

This wasn't just a personal victory. This was a historic moment.

It was something that would be recorded in the history books of world cinema.

Choi Seong-geon's voice cracked with raw emotion.

"You've made a mark in Hollywood, Woo-jin. No, you've made a mark on the entire world."

Woo-jin swallowed hard, his throat dry. His vision blurred slightly—not from tears, but from the sheer magnitude of what had just happened.

At that moment—

—["It's time for the Best Director category."]—

The live announcement on TV continued.

Woo-jin and everyone else instinctively turned their attention back to the screen.

—["And the nominee is... Director Ahn Ga-bok for Perriot : Birth of a Villain."]—

Silence.

And then—

"HUH?! I JUST HEARD DIRECTOR AHN GA-BOK'S NAME!!"

"NO WAY!! NO WAY!!"

"HE GOT NOMINATED TOO?!"

The celebrations reignited. Another explosion of cheers, disbelief, and excitement filled the air. Perriot had just secured another nomination—this time for Best Director.

"THIS IS CRAZY!! THIS IS A DOUBLE CELEBRATION!!"

Woo-jin, who had just barely begun to regain his composure, was once again thrown into shock.

'Director Ahn... got nominated too?!'

That meant that Perriot had now been recognized in three categories: Best Costume Design, Best Actor, and Best Director.

It was already more than they had dared to dream.

But then—

—["And now, it's time for the final and most prestigious category... Best Picture."]—

Everyone froze.

The Best Picture Award—the grand finale of the Academy Awards—the highest honor for any film.

One by one, the nominees were announced.

And then, the final name was called.

—["And the last nominee for Best Picture is... Perriot : Birth of a Villain. Congratulations!"]—

A beat of silence.

Then—

'...Seriously?!?!'

Woo-jin screamed internally.

Four.

FOUR NOMINATIONS.

His ears started ringing. His breath hitched. His hands trembled.

And then—

Absolute chaos.

The reaction this time was on another level. It was an earthquake.

His house erupted.

"IT HAPPENED!! IT HAPPENED!!!"

"DO YOU SEE THIS?! FOUR CATEGORIES?! REALLY?! FOUR?!"

"HAHAHAHA!! YOU'VE SEEN IT ALL NOW!! THAT'S RIGHT!! WE DID IT!!!"

Across the world, the frenzy spread.

From Korea to Hollywood, from actors to directors, from industry insiders to everyday fans—everyone was talking about it.

Kang Woo-jin and Perriot : Birth of a Villain had officially become one of the biggest stories of the Academy Awards.

Four nominations. Four dreams turned into reality.

And now, all eyes were on them.

"Director, congratulations!!"

"We should all be congratulated!!!"

"...I was already shocked by the 'Best Actor' nomination, but I never expected 'Best Director' and 'Best Picture' as well. This is a miracle."

"What are you talking about?! Isn't it because it deserved to climb this high?"

Their cheers, which had started when they were first nominated for 'Best Costume Design,' had now reached their peak. The room had already erupted when Kang Woo-jin was announced as a nominee for 'Best Actor,' but now, they were on the verge of complete euphoria. From Columbia executives to employees and even Nora Foster, no one could contain their excitement.

The only one who seemed somewhat composed was—

"...Did I just get nominated for the 'Best Director' in Oscar?"

Director Ahn Ga-bok spoke with a dazed expression, his face lined with disbelief. Although it was hard to fully process, there was something incredible about seeing a long-imagined dream become reality.

'If I hadn't given Perriot to Kang Woo-jin at that time... If he hadn't given me Joker... This moment would never have happened.'

The first thought that had come to Director Ahn Ga-bok's mind when envisioning the character of Joker was Kang Woo-jin. And beyond just the role, Woo-jin's fierce ambition—his relentless pursuit of the Academy Award—had fueled the entire project. There had been many hurdles along the way, but in the end...

"Heh, I guess you could say Kang Woo-jin made all of this happen."

After all, Kang Woo-jin was Kang Woo-jin.

His Joker had not only shone in acting but had also elevated the film's direction, ultimately completing Perriot .

Ahn Ga-bok glanced around the room. Even Hollywood's top executives—powerful figures who controlled the industry—looked like overexcited children. Their excitement was almost comical.

"A monster who turned Hollywood's biggest names into kids... And I'm no exception."

That was the power of a monster genius actor.

Aftermath–

The miracle created by Perriot spread like wildfire across the world, starting with Hollywood. The film industry was in an uproar.

Not just Columbia Studios, but the Big Five—including World Disney Pictures, Universal Studios , Warner Movies., and Paramount—were buzzing with excitement. Every production company, from well-established Hollywood giants to rising independent studios like A8 Media, was fixated on Perriot 's unbelievable success.

And it wasn't just the industry insiders who were stunned.

Chris Hartnett, a top-tier Hollywood actor, nearly screamed when he saw the news.

"Oh my God!! What the hell is going on??!"

Actors, directors, and producers across the world couldn't believe the miracle they were witnessing.

Then came the media storm.

Headlines flashed across global news networks, turning Perriot into the hottest topic of the year:

[ CNM: "Miracle! 'Perriot : Birth of a Villain' officially nominated for the Academy Awards in four categories!"]

[ ABY: "The most shocking nominations in Academy Award history! Kang Woo-jin secures a Best Actor nomination, Perriot lands four major nomination!"]

[ BBX: "Kang Woo-jin makes history as the first Korean actor nominated for the Oscars 'Best Actor' award!"]

[ LA TIMES: "Unbelievable! Perriot : Birth of a Villain secures nominations for Best Costume Design, Best Actor, Best Director, and Best Picture!"]

—

The public reaction was nothing short of explosive. Social media and online forums were flooded with reactions from around the world:

-Wait... did I read that right?! Perriot got nominated in FOUR categories?!-

-OH MY GOD!! THIS IS INSANE!!-

-This proves Hollywood is changing. As someone who watched Perriot , I completely understand why it deserves this!-

-Kang Woo-jin!!! What kind of chaos did you just unleash?!-

-His Joker is absolutely terrifying. He EARNED that nomination.-

-This year's Academy Awards are about to make history.-

-If this is happening, does that mean Columbia's cinematic universe is about to take off?!-

-No way!!! There's gotta be a mistake in the voting process! How did Kang Woo-jin get a Best Actor nomination?!-

-Wake up, it's not a mistake! Your brain must be malfunctioning!-

-CONGRATULATIONS, KANG WOO-JIN!! I've been a fan since The Beneficial Evil-

-Wait... does this mean Kang Woo-jin could actually WIN Best Actor?!?!-

The debate was heated. The excitement was electric. The entire film industry—no, the entire world—was waiting to see what would happen next.

It was on the verge of exploding. Online communities across the globe were buzzing with discussions about the Academy Awards, Perriot, and Kang Woo-jin. Social media platforms and YouTube were overflowing with content related to the nominations, debates, and analysis.

In South Korea—Kang Woo-jin's homeland, as well as that of Perriot's director, Ahn Ga-bok—the reaction was nothing short of seismic.

[[Breaking News] 'Perriot' becomes a finalist in 4 Academy Award categories!]

['Kang Woo-jin and Director Ahn Ga-bok heading to the Oscars... Nominated in four major categories!']

['Perriot' becomes a global sensation—Kang Woo-jin secures an Oscar nomination for 'Best Actor'!]

The entire country was shaking with excitement.

[ 'Clierrot' nominated for four Academy Awards! Kang Woo-jin and Ahn Ga-bok become the first Koreans to compete at the Oscars!]

[ [Star Talk] Kang Woo-jin, who once declared, "My next goal is the Academy Award," keeps his promise—the public now calls him a "national treasure."]

Once again, Kang Woo-jin had created a miracle. Of course, securing a nomination was just the first step, but for many, it already felt like a victory. The country erupted into a frenzy.

-Take off your hat and bow down to this legend!!!-

-This man is rewriting history.-

-I swear my heart stopped when I saw his name on the list!-

Meanwhile, Woo-jin's family, friends, and everyone who had ever crossed paths with him were feeling an even greater sense of anticipation—far beyond what the general public could imagine.

The excitement, akin to a nuclear explosion, lasted for weeks.

But this wasn't just a Korean phenomenon—it was the same across the United States and the rest of the world. Every major news outlet was covering the Academy Awards and Kang Woo-jin daily. Public anticipation soared higher with each passing day. It was almost certainly one of the most talked-about Oscar races in history.

And as the ceremony date—April 24—drew closer, the tension only escalated. Even Kang Woo-jin, who tried to keep his composure while filming John Persona, found himself growing restless.

'Damn... time is flying. It's already five days before the Oscars?!'

Then, suddenly—

April 20th arrived.

Hollywood, Los Angeles—

The front of the Dolby Theatre was already bustling in the early hours of the morning. A flood of reporters, broadcasting crews, and photographers had gathered, setting up their cameras and snapping shots of the grand entrance.

From massive billboards to gleaming Oscar statues, the venue was adorned with every symbol of the prestigious awards. Reporters had flown in from all corners of the world, speaking in different languages, yet all focused on the same monumental event. Naturally, Korean media had turned out in full force as well.

This was the Dolby Theatre—the heart of the Academy Awards.

At that moment—

"Hey! They're rolling it out over there!"

"Quick!! Get the cameras!"

A handful of reporters suddenly noticed something happening near the entrance and sprinted forward. Within seconds, the wave of excitement spread, and soon, a swarm of journalists and camera crews had rushed to the scene.

The reason?—Swoosh.*

Dozens of Academy staff had begun laying down one of the most iconic symbols of the awards ceremony.

[ [Trending Worldwide] The Academy rolls out the red carpet... 'Perriot, please make your way in.']

It was the legendary Oscars red carpet—the very path that Kang Woo-jin would soon walk.

April 24th, Monday Morning — Los Angeles

As the new week began, Hollywood was anything but normal. The entire industry—broadcasters, film studios, and production houses—was electrified with excitement.

Top news outlets flooded their headlines with Oscar coverage.

[LA TIMES: "Oscars Opening Day—Hollywood's energy is hotter than ever!"]

[BBX: "Hotels around the Dolby Theatre are at full capacity! LA's airports are experiencing heavy congestion."]

[ABY: "Top actors from around the world arrive in Hollywood for the Academy Awards [Photo Exclusive]."]

This afternoon, the Academy Awards—the most highly anticipated ceremony in years—was set to begin.

[ NT: "The Academy Awards, set to open today, will be broadcast live at Times Square, New York's biggest attraction."]

The world was holding its breath.

The stage was set. The countdown has begun.

And in just a few hours, history would be made.

Everyone was busy—frantically so. And this was especially true for Columbia Studios, one of Hollywood's five major film companies.

"Did you make sure to inform all the actors of the schedule?!"

"Yes! I double-checked—no, I triple-checked!"

"Why can't we get in touch with the field team?!"

"What's the status at the Dolby Theatre?!"

There was a lot to oversee, especially regarding the cinematic phenomenon Perriot, which had miraculously found itself in four Academy Award categories. But the chaos wasn't limited to Columbia Studios—Hollywood as a whole was in a state of frenzy.

Media companies and broadcasting networks scrambled to secure prime spots at the Dolby Theatre. Hollywood's biggest actors, directors, and industry insiders were busy with final costume checks. Meanwhile, reporters and even non-actor celebrities were flooding into LA, packing the airport to capacity.

The excitement online was just as intense.

-When can we watch the Academy Awards live?!-

-I think it starts at 6 PM?-

-Are you sure? Isn't that just the red carpet event?-

The ceremony's official broadcaster, which had signed an exclusive deal with YouTube and the Academy, confirmed the live stream details.

-Where can I watch it live? YouTube?-

-Which TV station is broadcasting it?-

-Oscar organizers said if you're in New York, you can watch it live from Times Square!-

And amid all this global excitement... Where was Kang Woo-jin?

Monday Morning, Los Angeles—Kang Woo-jin's Residence

"Hah... It's today, isn't it?"

Lying in bed, staring at the ceiling, Kang Woo-jin muttered to himself. His hair was a mess—evidence that he had just woken up. Despite his usual calm demeanor, his heart was pounding uncontrollably.

It was happening.

The Academy Awards were just a few hours away, and no matter how composed he tried to be, it was impossible to remain unaffected. The world's eyes were on him.

'How could anyone be completely calm in this situation?'

—Sigh.*

Dragging himself out of bed, Kang Woo-jin shuffled to the bathroom and splashed cold water on his face. He stared at his reflection in the mirror. His pulse was still racing.

So, he did the only thing that could truly calm him down.

He stopped time.

—Whoosh.*

Woo-jin entered subspace—a vast, endless darkness. Standing there in solitude, he exhaled a long breath. For some reason, everything felt clearer in this space. The anxiety that had gripped him moments ago started to fade.

"...Whatever. Just walk the red carpet, sit through the ceremony, and come back. Don't expect anything."

With that, he exited subspace and returned to reality.

His phone was flashing with an overwhelming number of missed calls and messages. The sheer volume was almost intimidating. Without hesitation, Woo-jin dialed a familiar number—his family.

The call barely rang twice before a voice burst through.

"Son!!! Are you okay?!"

Hearing his parents' worried yet excited tone, Kang Woo-jin smiled and gave a short, reassuring reply.

"No, I'm fine. I'll just do my best and come back."