I Was Mistaken as a Monstrous Genius Actor

Translator: Dreamscribe

The ‘Academy Awards’, also known as the Oscars, boasts the highest prestige in the world. With the grand opening of this year’s Academy Awards only a few months away, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS), which handles the ceremony, had begun to show overt activity.

Although there had been signs before, this time it was in an official form.

A list of submitted works that passed the executive committee’s screening and met several conditions had been completed and distributed to thousands of members who act as judges. These members are spread not only across the United States but all over the world. From now on, the names of films that shone in Hollywood over the past year, along with the actors, staff, and directors who dedicated themselves to them, would be mentioned endlessly.

In addition to directors, actors, and key staff, an overwhelming number of powerful figures were included, among whom, of course, was:

– <Pierrot: The Birth of a Villain / Columbia Studios/>

‘Pierrot’, which Columbia Studios risked everything on and which signaled the beginning of a ‘Cinematic Universe’, was among them.

To put it simply, there was no backing out now.

From here on, the process becomes quite complicated, but in summary, after evaluations from thousands of members, the final candidate works are announced to the world from late March to early April. At the same time, the final nominated works are redistributed to members, and from there, the winners and awardees are decided.

Those works and names are grandly called out at the Academy Awards ceremony, which opens before the end of April.

Of course, the entire process, including the candidate works, is confidential, but because the Academy Awards so heavily shake up Hollywood, a moderate amount of information inevitably leaks. The initial movement of the judging was no different. Though AMPAS did not make a separate announcement, their actions were reported in Hollywood media.

『CNM/[Exclusive] Academy Awards makes a move, AMPAS distributes films to members to determine this year’s Academy Award nominees!』

Naturally, even before the media acted, rumors had already spread offline. Among the film companies, production companies, directors, actors, key staff, and so on in Hollywood, matters related to the Academy Awards had taken root as a hot topic.

“I hear that this year’s Oscar submissions have been distributed to members. It’s going to be interesting to watch since there are so many outstanding works this year.”

“Haha. That’s right. There were a lot of commercial hits, but also quite a few that stood out for their artistry. But aren’t you curious about what’ll happen with ‘Pierrot’ and Kang Woojin?”

“Right, setting aside the film’s quality, it’s arguably the hottest one in terms of buzz.”

“Since its release, it seems like all the reviews across different platforms have been glowing, makes you wonder how the members around the world will view it.”

“Especially Kang Woojin, who openly declared he was aiming for the Academy Awards. His result is probably the one getting the most focus.”

As expected, there was a lot of talk about ‘Pierrot: The Birth of a Villain’, which had already gathered enormous buzz. Even more frequently mentioned was Kang Woojin. ‘Pierrot’ had already been released for over a week, and Woojin’s performance as a villain was receiving positive reviews from websites, media, and public opinion alike. However, just this temporary wave of praise didn’t guarantee a spot as an Academy Awards nominee.

“Kang Woojin, huh- sure, he’s worked miracles from Cannes to the Emmys, but this year’s lineup and the actors’ passionate performances have raised the bar much higher than last year.”

“This was a year when people who could be called great actors were very active, both directors and actors alike.”

“That’s the crux of it, isn’t it? Whether they’ll stick with the tradition that’s been upheld for years or support a rookie who’s sparked a new wind.”

“Hm… But if we’re talking about ‘rookies’, Kang Woojin isn’t the only one, right?”

“Well, that’s true.”

Moreover, Hollywood was filled with veteran actors who dominated the industry and rookies who had suddenly risen to popularity. After a 17th full of such atmosphere, the even more heated 18th had dawned.

The time was morning.

Kang Woojin could be found at Columbia Studios.

“……”

He had his hat pulled down low and wore a padded jacket due to the cold weather. His outfit was very casual, but his expression was full of solemnity. Internally, however, he was quite nervous.

‘Academy Awards members? If the work has been distributed to them, that means the evaluation has started, right?? If I fail in the first round, it’s just over.’

Kang Woojin had also received word about the Academy Awards’ developments. Outwardly, he acted calm, but knowing that ‘Pierrot’ and his own performance had now been placed on the chopping block, it was only natural to feel tense.

‘Well, sure, if it fails, I could just say, “Oh well, nothing I could do”, but, it’s kind of embarrassing, isn’t it?!’

Given everything he’d done up to now, it was also a matter of pride. Whatever the case, in one of Columbia Studios’ large conference rooms, a massive group had gathered, including Kang Woojin, Director Ahn Ga-bok, Nora Foster, senior executives from Columbia Studios, a few actors like Chris, and key staff. Currently, they were discussing matters related to the Academy Awards.

“Phew- what a relief. We were kind of rushing things, so it would’ve been a headache if AMPAS had found fault with it. But ‘Pierrot’ passed through to the members without a hitch.”

“Even if we didn’t send it through the usual route, the Academy Awards people still have eyes and ears. It would’ve been hard for them to ignore a film like ‘Pierrot’ that’s shaken up all of Hollywood.”

“Hahaha, in any case, we can breathe a little easier now.”

Soon, the conversation shifted to a different topic, specifically, the early release of ‘Pierrot’, which was currently heating up Hollywood. Discussions about its performance, reactions online and offline, industry evaluations, and more. Since the entire two-week early release schedule was sold out and positive reviews were still flooding in, the overall atmosphere was quite bright.

Soon, the flow of the conversation turned to Kang Woojin.

The bald executive among them spoke up.

“Mr. Kang Woojin, you look quite serious, are you perhaps worried? About the Academy members giving low scores?”

Of course he was. Who wouldn’t be at a time like this? Woojin wasn’t losing sleep over it, but he was reasonably nervous. Still, he shook his head more nonchalantly than ever.

“No, not at all. I’m just listening to the conversation like usual.”

“Hahaha. I see. Sometimes your face is hard to read. Then again, you’re the guy who mesmerized hundreds of people who showed up just to criticize you, so there’s probably nothing to worry about.”

Since the early release of ‘Pierrot’, Kang Woojin’s image had done a complete reversal, whether in the media or public opinion. Sure, there were still people who disliked him or left nasty comments, but compared to the past, his fan base had grown significantly and the tide had shifted.

“As you’ve all seen, on major online communities, people are already praising his ‘Joker’. Saying it’s been a long time since we’ve had a proper villain.”

“Cosplaying as ‘Joker’ has even become a trend. And it’s still just in the early release phase!”

“Ah, I saw that too.”

While the Columbia executives and key staff were chattering on, producer Nora suddenly raised her tablet and swiftly changed the subject.

“We haven’t completed the full schedule yet, but judging by the atmosphere so far, I think it’s safe to say the early release of ‘Pierrot’ has been a success.”

Nearly everyone nodded in agreement. Nora continued speaking.

“Thanks to public opinion, the news, and various media outlets jumping on board, our marketing and publicity are already maxed out. If the Academy Awards recognition gets added on top of that, it’ll multiply everything by several times.”

Then, Nora’s gaze turned to the calm-looking Kang Woojin.

“Of course, Mr. Kang Woojin’s headline-making power is also a huge asset.”

It wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say that his impact accounted for more than half of their success. Everyone recognized that.

“So, we were able to save a significant amount of time on promotion. Honestly, part of me wants to push for global release as is, but-”

Nora Foster omitted the words ‘Academy Awards’.

“‘Pierrot’ will officially begin its global release on May 30, starting in the United States. The remaining 40 countries are set to release it around the same time.”

She declared the decision as if announcing it to everyone, and once again turned her gaze to Kang Woojin.

“‘Pierrot’ will premiere in Korea on May 31.”

Afterwards.

Hollywood was boiling like a molten furnace with the early release of ‘Pierrot: The Birth of a Villain’ and the Academy Awards’ first official movements. There was chatter everywhere. In the case of ‘Pierrot’, glowing reviews increased by the day. From audiences who had watched the film to experts outside of critics, everyone was crying out ‘Joker’.

In Korea, the atmosphere was festive.

『Entire two-week early release schedule sold out! International review sites shower ‘Pierrot’ with acclaim!』

『[International Topic] Hollywood falls for Kang Woojin’s ‘Joker’, he continues to engulf the scene day by day / photo』

Thanks to this, ‘Pierrot’ achieved what no other famous Hollywood film had managed. Beyond the entire early release selling out, a film not even officially released was topping community forums and social media as the most influential keyword.

Once again, Kang Woojin was:

-I haven’t seen Kang Woojin’s Pierrot, but it’s certain he keeps performing miracles

-To be honest, he’s already changed a huge part of Hollywood

-Right, this proves that the influence he holds is extraordinary. Hollywood needs to accept his presence

He was effortlessly producing yet another “first-ever” accomplishment.

So passed a week full of explosive developments.

Before anyone realized, it was the 24th.

Kang Woojin, riding in a van, was checking out the media atmosphere during transit.

‘Hmm- the early release schedule is over, but luckily the media keeps hyping it up, so it’s still crazy out there.’

As of yesterday, the two-week early release period for ‘Pierrot’ had ended. But the results Kang Woojin’s ‘Joker’ achieved during that short span were overwhelming. In just two weeks, ‘Joker’ was spreading across not just Hollywood, but countries like Korea and Japan as well. On SNS, communities, YouTube, wherever people were talking, ‘Joker’ appeared.

‘Whoa, if this is how it is now, the global release is gonna be insane??’

However, Kang Woojin couldn’t focus solely on ‘Pierrot’. The characters he was portraying weren’t just one or two.

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

Tomorrow, the 27th, was the first day of filming for ‘John Persona’, but for now, Woojin had stepped into a grand hall inside a five-star hotel in LA. He was dressed in a fairly formal manner, a navy blazer with a black coat. His black hair was slicked back neatly. The place he entered was the stage set up at the front of the hall.

-Swish.

On the stage was a long table, and behind it hung a large first poster for ‘Beast and the Beauty’. A poster showing the ‘Beast’ playing the piano and beauty ‘Bella’ dancing. In other words, this place was connected to ‘Beast and the Beauty’.

To be precise, it was an event hosted by ‘World Disney Pictures’ that served as a character introduction and production announcement for each film.

Therefore, at the long table.

“Nice to meet you all. I’m Bill Rotner, the director of ‘Beast and the Beauty’.”

Director Bill Rotner was seated first, and next to him sat Kang Woojin. In the third seat, with full make up, with her blonde hair braided like, beauty ‘Bella’, was.

“I’m Miley Cara. I play beauty ‘Bella’.”

Cara had appeared. Of course, including Maria Armas, all the lead and supporting actors of ‘Beast and the Beauty’ had gathered. Facing them from the audience side of the hall were, naturally.

-Click click click click click!

Hundreds of foreign reporters huddled together, furiously pressing their shutters. The headcount easily surpassed 200. And this was even after ‘World Disney Pictures’ had filtered attendees. With ‘Beast and the Beauty’ having been a massive buzz from the start, and recent rumors of a relationship between Woojin and Cara thrown in, a large number of reporters had swarmed the event.

The overall atmosphere of the event was.

“Since the original ‘Beast and the Beauty’ holds such strong legacy power, we conducted the adaptation for the live-action version with the utmost care not to harm the original……”

It was a mix of introducing the film and actors like Kang Woojin and Cara boasting about the characters they were playing. Of course, Disney had provided a script, but each actor also added their own personal thoughts. For reference, Kang Woojin’s comment was short and simple.

“The hardest part during the filming of ‘Beast’ was wearing the special costume.”

When the event, which lasted about an hour, was almost at its end, it came time to take questions from the reporters participating in the event. The format was that the director Bill Rotner and the actors would take questions from reporters who raised their hands. As the director muttered into the handheld mic.

-Swish.

A dozen or so reporters raised their hands. However, the atmosphere was somewhat lukewarm. The questions were ordinary.

“Director, ‘Beast and the Beauty’ received criticism from the public regarding the live-action adaptation even before production began. Once the film is released, do you think those controversies will be put to rest?”

“Of course. I’m confident that everyone, including fans of the original, will be able to fully enjoy ‘Beast and the Beauty’.”

Following Director Bill Rotner’s confident reply, the microphone was handed to Kang Woojin. Soon, with his calm expression, Woojin was internally startled.

‘Whoa- crazy!’

The reason was simple.

Nearly all of the 200 reporters present had raised their hands. Compared to earlier, it was explosive. About half of them even shot up from their seats, and some even shrieked. Among them, the one Woojin selected was a male reporter in the middle of the third row with noticeable sagging cheeks.

As soon as he was chosen, the reporter shouted.

“Mr. Kang Woojin!! Is it true that the ‘Beast’ and beauty ‘Bella’ are in love in real life?! After the dating rumors with Miley surfaced, you haven’t provided any clear confirmation! Though the current vibe suggests it was just a misunderstanding and that you’re simply colleagues, the public still wants a definitive answer! So- is it true or not?!”

Kang Woojin, who had been staring at the reporter with an indifferent face, briefly glanced at the blonde sitting next to him, Cara. Since she was also looking at Woojin, their eyes met. They held eye contact for roughly three seconds. Then Kang Woojin calmly spoke into the handheld mic. His tone was very composed and low, in English.

“No, we are dating.”

Miley Cara’s big blue eyes widened dramatically.

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TL Note: Hi, this novel is now complete on Patreon. I will post new chapters daily for free readers, but if you wish, you can read all of it on my Patreon.

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