Episode 477: Monster (5)

The winner of the Best Actor award at the 95th Academy Awards was Kang Woo-jin. This result was perhaps unexpected—a twist and surprise in the eyes of many filmmakers and the public worldwide. The great Hollywood actors who were nominated were very prominent, and the outcome overturned the tradition and history that the Academy Awards had maintained so far.

In addition, the unusual behavior of the "Joker" was also notable.

But more than anything, Kang Woo-jin's circumstances were astonishing.

In the fourth year since his debut and not long after his Hollywood appearance, winning an Emmy Award might have seemed like a miracle—but the Academy Award was like a dream. He was also the first Korean or Asian actor to achieve this. Woo-jin accomplished something unprecedented in 95 years.

It was enough to shake up Hollywood and the world.

Therefore, ten minutes after Kang Woo-jin lifted the Best Actor trophy:

[CNM: "Joker appears on the Academy Awards stage! Kang Woo-jin, who performed as the Joker, wins Best Actor!"]

[LA Times: "Kang Woo-jin's acceptance speech shocked thousands of audience members and viewers worldwide. It was the Joker who accepted the award on stage."]

A huge number of articles began pouring into Hollywood. Woo-jin's Best Actor award was significant, but what caught the most attention was his acceptance speech. Although he achieved something no one else had, Kang Woo-jin expressed his astonishment in front of the entire world without any sign of nervousness or trembling.

Though full of illusions and misunderstandings, no one knew the full story.

I can only praise the marvel of it all and Kang Woo-jin's presence.

["People around the world watching BBX live were thrilled! Kang Woo-jin remained an actor until the moment he received the award. / Photo"]

The composure to deliver an acceptance speech as the Joker while rewriting history, the courage to display a mischievous side on a grand stage in front of thousands of industry legends, the relentless passion for acting without concern for others' and opinions—the honesty of following his own path without hesitation, the fearless temperament of pushing forward without overthinking.

Hollywood was in a frenzy over Woo-jin's eccentric and unapologetic "my way or nothing" attitude, something never seen before.

["ABY: There is no other way to describe him but as a 'monster.' Academy Award Best Actor Kang Woo-jin is simply in a league of his own."]

Yes, a monster. Before anyone realized it, even Hollywood—the heart of global filmmaking—was portraying Woo-jin as a phenomenon.

The global audience was equally electrified.

-Kang Woo-jin is insane! He even expressed his emotions through acting!-

-Joker! Joker!! Joker!! Ah! The Perriot line delivery!-

-I've seen it, but I need to rewatch it when it's officially released!!-

-Did he really give his acceptance speech fully in character as the Joker??? Then he's a genius, right?-

-Some might hate or criticize him, but I think Kang Woo-jin is a true actor.-

-An acceptance speech that will be remembered for a long time.-

-Defying expectations and constantly creating headlines—this is real stardom, everyone.-

-Everyone may be obsessed with Kang Woo-jin, but I find him unsettling—he's too self-indulgent.-

-I admit he's arrogant, but he has the right to be.-

-And I like that? It's 100 times better than fleeting popularity.-

-Kang Woo-jin!! Congratulations on winning the Best Actor Oscar!!!-

-He won Best Actor in such a short time! How great will he be in five years?!-

-Joker! Now that your speech is over, hurry up and announce your next project!!-

People watching the Academy Awards live, global online communities, various social media platforms—regardless of country or language, the world was collectively shouting for Kang Woo-jin and the Joker.

YouTube was already flooded with Academy Award-related videos featuring Kang Woo-jin.

With the world in chaos, how was Korea reacting?

Regardless of the media, press, or public opinion, Korea was already treating the Academy Awards like a national event.

["[Breaking News] Kang Woo-jin lifts the Academy Award for Best Actor... delivers acceptance speech as 'Joker'"]

The entire country was covered in news about Kang Woo-jin. Beyond just his family, friends, colleagues, and fans—nearly the entire nation erupted in cheers. This went beyond national pride; it was hero worship. The same was true in Japan and several Asian countries that had long followed Woo-jin's career.

["Kang Woo-jin's historic Academy Award win makes headlines across Japan, China, Vietnam, and more. / Photo"]

Meanwhile, among Hollywood's five major film studios, Columbia Studios, Walt Disney Pictures, and Universal Movies were celebrating, and A8 Media—the distributor of Guest—was in an uproar.

"Kang Woo-jin!! Kang Woo-jin won it!!"

"You're kidding! This is insane! I can't believe this is real!"

"I never expected him to win Best Actor!"

"Hahaha! He's a monster! A true monster!"

"I can't even put it into words!"

"When he spoke as the Joker, I literally got goosebumps."

"That was unreal!"

"It's bizarre but brilliant! Only Kang Woo-jin could pull this off."

"He's a phenomenal actor!!"

The world was shaken, but this was just the beginning.



At the same time, in the Dolby Theatre—The Academy Awards ceremony, which had been entirely focused on Kang Woo-jin, gradually settled down, and the next segment began as if nothing had happened.

"Wow, what an incredible moment! Congratulations again to Kang Woo-jin. Now, for a change of pace, it's time to present the award for Best Actress!"

As before, the presenters took the dazzling stage while Kang Woo-jin sat among the industry's biggest names.

Before Kang Woo-Jin knew it, He had embraced a concept—because He had resignedly accepted the "fuck you, you bastard" that he had been furiously muttering to himself earlier.

'Yes, there's no way the illusions and misunderstandings that have been going on for years will disappear anytime soon.'

Then he—Sigh.

he looked down at the Best Actor trophy resting on his lap. Golden. Brilliant.

'But damn, I really didn't expect this misunderstanding.'

Soon, Kang Woo-jin came to a conclusion.

'I don't know, screw it. Just shut up and ride this illusion until the day you die.'

What did it matter? Whether it was real or just a concept—

Either way, Kang Woo-jin has depth, and a good concept sells well too. '

Both were Kang Woo-jin. Still, aside from my family and friends, who already knew the truth, I wanted at least one person to see my real self. Woo-jin lifted his gaze and looked at someone.

His Girlfriend.

It was Miley Cara. She was staring at the stage, not looking at Woo-jin, but as he glanced at her profile, he made a promise to himself.

'After the awards ceremony, I should tell her that it was really me—not the Joker—who gave the acceptance speech. But how should I say it?'

Around this time, the Academy Award for Best Actress was announced. A Hollywood actress in a beige-toned dress walked onto the stage with a radiant smile. Reflexively, Kang Woo-jin clapped, but his mind was elsewhere.

He was thinking about his future.

He had won the Academy Award for Best Actor. What would come next? To be honest, he had no idea. Everything was new, an unknown world. At that moment, as if sensing Woo-jin's thoughts, a smiling Chris Hartnett leaned in and whispered.

"You won't get tired of looking at that Oscar trophy, right?"

"...I suppose not."

"Haha, I was the same when I won mine for the first time. Well, Woo-jin, you were already a world star, but now, the Academy Awards has certified you as a 'monster actor.' I'm rooting for you to become a superstar."

'Chris, you're already a superstar', Woo-jin thought to himself, but he remained silent.

With a deep smile, Chris made a final remark.

"It may already feel overwhelming, but things will only get several times busier from now on. The world—Hollywood included—will be coming for you."

He was right. Starting tonight, Kang Woo-jin would receive countless invitations from American talk shows, media outlets, YouTube channels, parties, and exclusive events. That much was obvious. And beyond Hollywood, wherever he went—including Korea—he would be welcomed with open arms, swarmed by fans like a tidal wave.

Chris added one more thing to Woo-jin, who was momentarily lost in the absurdity of his future.

"But the crazy part is, Woo-jin, this is just your starting point. There's still so much of your work left to be released to the world."

He was right.

From Perriot : Birth of a Villain—which had already won two awards, including Kang Woo-jin's Best Actor trophy. Beast and The Beauty and John Persona Then, there were the upcoming projects for next year and the year after that. It wasn't surprising at all that Kang Woo-jin's influence would soon spread beyond the stratosphere.

At this very moment—

["Hello, I am honored to announce the winner of the Best Director award at the 95th Academy Awards."]

The Academy Awards were heading toward their grand finale. On the massive stage monitors, images of Hollywood's most esteemed directors appeared one by one.

And in the center—stood Director Ahn Ga-bok, the only Korean nominee.

Before anyone realized it, it was time to announce the Best Director award.

Woo-jin, watching the stage intently, glanced to his right. Director Ahn Ga-bok's wrinkled face held a solemn expression. No matter one's age or experience, this was a moment of undeniable tension. If he won, Perriot would take home its third award of the night.

And then—

It happened.

["The 95th Academy Award for Best Director!!"]

The announcement came swiftly.

["Wow—this is truly an outstanding piece of work. Congratulations!! The Academy Award for Best Director goes to... Ahn Ga-bok for Perriot : Birth of a Villain!!!"]

The hall erupted in applause.

Director Ahn Ga-bok had won Best Director at the Academy Awards.

Once again, every major figure in attendance stood, their applause filling the venue.

— Clap clap clap clap*

The entire Perriot team, including Kang Woo-jin, rose in a standing ovation. Meanwhile, a rare smile crept onto Director Ahn Ga-bok's face. As he took in the overwhelming moment, his eyes met Woo-jin's calm, unreadable gaze.

With a deep breath—The director extended his hand for a handshake.

"Thank you. Meeting you was the greatest stroke of luck in my life."

Woo-jin was moved by the sincerity in the elderly director's words. Without hesitation, he grasped Ahn Ga-bok's hand and pulled him into a firm, heartfelt hug.

"Congratulations, Director. To me, the work we created together was the best."

"Heh, I shouldn't be tearing up at my age... and yet, here I am."

A Korean actor and director, embracing on the Academy Awards stage. The scene was captured beautifully by countless cameras.

Watching this moment from the Dolby Theater's waiting room, Choi Seong-gun wiped away tears.

"This shot...! It's a masterpiece—a masterpiece!"

A Korean actor and director had accomplished the unimaginable, side by side, at the Academy Awards. It was a historic two-shot—one that had never happened before and might never happen again.

With his trophy in hand, Director Ahn Ga-bok stepped up to the microphone.

["Thank you."]

His voice, aged and full of emotion, trembled slightly. But somehow, he gathered himself and spoke in English.

["I don't have the unique charisma of the Joker, like Kang Woo-jin, but I will speak in my own way. The road to this stage has been long—so long. The Academy Awards is a place every director dreams of standing on, and I was no exception. It took me decades to get here, but I want to thank Kang Woo-jin for giving me this opportunity."]

Director Ahn Ga-bok continued his speech with grace and humility, avoiding any theatrics. Finally, in his native language, he expressed his gratitude to those who had supported him throughout his career.

["I dedicate this award to my Korean fans—to the hundreds, maybe thousands, who have watched my films over the years. Thank you."]

Another standing ovation.— Clap clap clap clap*

As the applause roared, gasps of admiration could be heard from several audience members.

"Best Costume Design, Best Actor, and Best Director—Perriot has won three awards."

"This is truly an incredible achievement in so many ways."

"And to think, it hasn't even been officially released yet. There's still the Best Picture award to go."

The anticipation in the room grew. After causing such a sensation, could Perriot continue its momentum and claim the Academy's highest honor?

That expectation—Clap, clap, clap, clap.*—soon became reality.

The Best Picture award, the final and most prestigious honor of the Academy Awards, was about to be announced.

As the thunderous applause filled the hall—

Kang Woo-jin, ever composed, walked back onto the stage. He wasn't alone. Director Ahn Ga-bok, Chris Hartnett, and the entire Perriot team joined him. Some were in tears, others were jumping for joy.

And then—

A fourth trophy was handed out.

Director Ahn Ga-bok and Chris Hartnett turned to Woo-jin and gestured.

It was his to receive.

... ... ... ... ... ...

Maintaining his usual unreadable expression, Woo-jin took hold of the final Academy Award trophy.

"You should say a few words first."

"That's right, Woo-jin. This time, you don't have to be the Joker—just be yourself."

Director Ahn Ga-bok and the others encouraged Woo-jin to open the speech. With an Academy Award in each hand, he stepped up to the microphone.

'Sure.'—His posture was composed, his energy strikingly subdued compared to the electrifying Joker persona he had embodied earlier.

Speaking in flawless English, Woo-jin addressed the audience.

["Thank you for this Best Picture award. This is the result of the people standing on this stage—and all the members of the Perriot team who couldn't be here tonight."]

The audience watched in fascination.

Once again, murmurs spread through the crowd.

"He's so different from before. It's like the Joker from earlier has gone home."

And with that, Perriot : Birth of a Villain swept the Academy Awards—securing four wins in a single night.